The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a fresh crackdown on the sale of counterfeit seeds as the Government moves to protect farmers and safeguard food production amid growing concerns over the country's maize supply.

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Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warned that the illegal trade in fake seeds is putting farmers at risk of losing their crops and investments while also threatening national food security.

Kagwe said some farmers only discover that they have purchased counterfeit seeds five or six months after planting, when their crops fail and it is too late to recover the money spent on inputs and farm preparation.

Speaking during an assessment tour of Eldoret, Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties, the CS said the Government would intensify efforts to protect farmers from counterfeit agricultural inputs, particularly as changing weather patterns continue to affect crop production.

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“Maize producers play a critical role in feeding the country and supporting the economy, making Government intervention necessary as drought continues to affect production in some regions,” Kagwe said.

The CS directed security agencies to intensify the crackdown on individuals involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit seeds, warning that the Government would not tolerate activities that undermine the country's food production systems.

Kagwe also called on Members of Parliament to support legislation that would classify the sale of fake seeds as an economic crime, arguing that the practice amounts to economic sabotage because of its potential impact on food production.

He urged farmers to verify both the source and seller before purchasing seeds and advised them to obtain certified products from recognised institutions such as Kenya Seed Company and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation.

The crackdown comes as drought and changing weather patterns threaten maize production in some of the country's major growing regions. The 2026 crop was affected after rains arrived earlier than expected before a prolonged dry spell hit during critical stages of crop development.

The Government had on August 11 announced plans to import one million 90-kilogram bags of maize to replenish its strategic reserves after adverse weather disrupted the 2026 harvest. Kagwe said the country could face a shortfall of up to 5.4 million 90-kilogram bags by the end of September.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke