By Anne Nyambura
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in collaboration with enforcement agencies, has seized 19,000 counterfeit fertilizer bags in a major operation in Nairobi’s Kariokor area. The crackdown follows complaints from legitimate fertilizer manufacturers and trademark owners over the surge of fake agricultural inputs in the market.
The raid comes at a crucial time as farmers across Kenya prepare for the planting season, a period when demand for agricultural inputs skyrockets. Unscrupulous traders have been exploiting this window to introduce counterfeit products, posing a significant risk to farmers and the nation’s food security.
ACA’s Nairobi Regional Manager, Mr. Abid Abikar, confirmed that the empty 50kg bags were found at an illegal facility, ready to be filled and distributed. “This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting farmers from fraudulent agricultural inputs that compromise food security and undermine trust in the market,” he said.
Authorities have launched investigations into a suspected ringleader behind the syndicate, with legal action expected to follow. The operation is a key milestone in ACA’s ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting and safeguard Kenya’s agricultural sector.
A representative from one of the affected trademark owners welcomed the government’s swift action, emphasizing that counterfeit products harm farmers and damage the credibility of genuine brands.
“We remain committed to offering the best products in the market and appreciate the government's support in eradicating these illegal activities,” they stated.Had these counterfeit bags been filled and sold as genuine fertilizer, they would have amounted to 9.5 million kilograms of fake product, defrauding farmers of an estimated KSh 57 million at the market price of KSh 3,000 per bag. This could have led to poor crop yields, financial losses for farmers, and a broader impact on national food security.
ACA has urged all stakeholders including farmers, distributors, and consumers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving counterfeit agricultural products. The agency reiterated that counterfeiting not only affects productivity and livelihoods but also threatens the country’s food security and economic stability.
