Kakamega: Police have seized about 196 bags of fake fertilizer and 396 kg of counterfeit maize seedlings in Kakamega County, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
According to Kenya News Agency, police officers from Shianda police station in Mumias East conducted a raid on the home of Asma Mukoya after receiving a tip-off. During the operation, they discovered a lorry being loaded with counterfeit products. The police also recovered various tools and materials used in the repackaging of these fake agricultural inputs, including a weighing machine, sewing threads, a repackaging machine, and assorted empty sacks.
The police report detailed the seizure of 196 bags of 50 kg fake fertilizer along with several other types of counterfeit fertilizers and maize seeds. The arrested individuals were identified as Asma Mukoya, Rodgers Otundo, the driver of the lorry, and Milzadeck Meja, the suspected broker. The three are currently assisting police with further investigations.
The government has issued a warning to farmers about the resurgence of fake fertilizers and maize seedlings in the market. Farmers are advised to purchase certified products from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). To combat the issue, the government is supplying an additional one million bags of subsidized fertilizers to depots across the country.
This incident in Kakamega follows similar reports of fake fertilizers and maize seeds being impounded in Molo, Kuresoi north of Nakuru County, and Kisii County.