The wave of fake fertilizer that caused hundreds of farmers in Nakuru to suffer huge losses last year seems to be back this planting season, with areas of Kuresoi North and South already experiencing the issue.

Through a multi-agency operation, at least 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer were seized in the two sub counties.

The 50kg Yara DAP fertilizer was being repackaged for sale to farmers when security agencies caught up with the shady business operators.

In a media briefing, the Regional Manager Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Abdi Abikar, noted that the team acted on a tip off from Yara fertilizer manufacturers, who had learnt of individuals selling fake fertilizer in Molo Sub-County.

A section of the 233 fake fertilizer bags seized in Kuresoi North and South sub counties on March 18, 2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Mr Abikar stated that acting on the information, a multi-agency team comprising ACA officials and the Molo, Kuresoi North and Kuresoi South Sub-County Police Commanders proceeded to Seguton and Keringet, where they found the fertilizer in a store and seized it.

Abikar issued a stern warning to individuals dealing in substandard fertilizer, noting that it poses a significant threat to food security in the country.

“Once the fertilizer lands in farmers’ hands, the result will be poor harvest, consequently leading to food scarcity in the country,” he said firmly, explaining the dire consequences the counterfeit product could have on the national food basket.

On the other hand, Molo Sub-County Police Commander Timon Odingo, revealed that some of the fertilizer in question includes government-subsidized fertilizer, which is being repackaged.

Molo Sub-County Police Commander ,Timon Odingo, during an interview after they had seized 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer in Kuresoi North on March 18, 2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“These individuals are in possession of both the subsidized fertilizer and the Yara-produced fertilizer, which they are repackaging and reselling at a higher price. As we speak, we are working around the clock to put a stop to this, working alongside the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS),” he says, sounding a warning to shady businessmen in the region.

Odingo noted that the two suspects will be presented in court on charges of repackaging, among other offenses, as guided by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

Some of the fertilizer nabbed by police in Kuresoi North and South that was the subdised government fertilizer.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Molo Sub-County is proving to be notorious for fake fertilizer.

In March 2024, authorities in Nakuru County confiscated 560 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Molo.

The shipment, estimated to be worth around Sh 1.4 million, was sourced from Kel Chemicals Limited in Thika and transported by MEMS Distributors.

Prior to its seizure, the delivery had been cancelled due to quality concerns.

233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer seized in Kuresoi North and South sub counties

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Purity Kinuthia