Kagwe Orders Crackdown on Fake Seeds and Fertilizer as Drought Threatens Maize Harvest

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has ordered government investigative agencies to launch a thorough probe into a suspected syndicate involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit seeds and fertilizer.

Kagwe said the trade in fake agricultural inputs was undermining farmers’ productivity and threatening Kenya’s food security, warning that those behind the scheme would be identified and prosecuted.

The Cabinet Secretary spoke during a visit to the Kenya Seed Company in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he assessed seed production and the impact of the ongoing dry conditions on maize farming.

He described the circulation of counterfeit farm inputs as a serious economic crime because of the financial losses inflicted on farmers and its potential impact on national food supplies.

“Food security is an important component, just like internal security. Stealing from innocent farmers through the circulation of fake seeds and fertiliser is, according to me, a serious economic crime which should be compared to treason,” Kagwe said.

He directed investigative agencies to pursue the matter and ensure individuals found responsible face prosecution. The CS said counterfeit seeds and fertilizer had previously prevented farmers from achieving their production potential, resulting in poor yields despite growers investing heavily in land preparation and farm inputs.

The crackdown comes amid heightened concerns over agricultural production following unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry conditions in several parts of the country. Kagwe said climate change was making weather patterns increasingly difficult to predict, requiring farmers and government agencies to adjust their approach to food production.

He said the Kenya Seed Company is working with agricultural experts to develop and supply drought-tolerant seed varieties that can help farmers maintain production under changing climatic conditions.

Despite the expected decline in maize output, Kagwe said there was no immediate cause for alarm over national food supplies. He projected that maize production could fall by about 30 percent compared with last year because of poor rainfall.

However, he said the country has sufficient maize stocks in National Cereals and Produce Board stores to cushion consumers against the anticipated shortfall. Kenya also has adequate planting seed for various crops, he added.

“I take this opportunity to assure Kenyans that, as much as maize production has been greatly affected by poor rainfall patterns, there is no reason for alarm. We have enough stock in our cereal boards, and if we fall short, we may consider importing from our COMESA counterparts,” Kagwe said.

The government is also considering additional subsidies to cushion farmers who have suffered losses because of adverse weather conditions. Such support could help affected growers resume production and reduce the financial burden of preparing for the next planting season.

Kagwe further encouraged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities instead of depending heavily on a single crop. He said growing different crops and incorporating other agricultural enterprises could reduce farmers’ exposure to losses when weather conditions affect a particular crop.

The government is expected to intensify surveillance of agricultural input markets as investigations into the suspected counterfeit seed and fertilizer network get underway, with authorities seeking to protect farmers and safeguard national food production.