ELDORET, Kenya – A multi-agency security operation in Uasin Gishu County has led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the distribution of counterfeit fertiliser.
The joint operation, involving members of the public and teams focused on illicit brew and fake fertiliser, was led by County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale and County Commander Wilberforce Sicharani.
The incident was confirmed by Sicharani on Monday, July 27, during a press briefing attended by news9.africa.
“We have nabbed 500 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser at Moiben on Sunday. We have also recovered 4,000 bags at Kabenes and 74 bags at Ziwa Machine.”
He added that the seized fertiliser is being held at Ainabkoi Police Station, with samples submitted to the Government Chemist and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for testing.
How the scam operated
Nyale revealed that the suspects bought expired fertiliser, burned it to turn it black, and repackaged it in fake-brand bags before selling it to farmers at inflated prices.
He identified the main suspect as a repeat offender, already facing a separate court case following a prior arrest with 60 bags of fake fertiliser, a case already approved by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Earlier samples taken to KEBS came back positive, confirming the fertiliser is fake. The ODPP has issued formal charges. This is a repeat offender, and we are building a tight evidence case for our farmers to receive justice,” Nyale stated.
He noted the scheme’s devastating timing, as farmers are already grappling with an unusually prolonged dry season that has disrupted the planting period.
Targeted regions and growing losses
Nyale added that the fake consignment targeted farmers in Narok County, while large-scale maize producers in Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu suffer losses due to changing weather conditions.
Sicharani confirmed that security teams have implemented strict measures to protect farmers from counterfeit fertiliser.
He urged them to buy only from approved government outlets like the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB).
“Investigations are still ongoing, and more suspects could be arrested. Together with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), I want to call on our farmers to avoid buying fertiliser from unauthorised middlemen and unverified dealers,” Sicharani said.
He also encouraged farmers to purchase government-subsidised fertiliser, which is affordable and certified as original.
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