Government targets illegal seed dealers in bold move to safeguard farmers from counterfeits
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe warns fake seed dealers face arrests and possible treason charges as new KEPHIS lab boosts farmer protection.
The government has launched a crackdown on fake seed dealers in Nyeri, warning that the practice threatens national food security and could be treated as treason.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe called on Parliament to pass tougher laws and directed security agencies to target illegal seed distributors and uncertified nurseries.
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Speaking in Nyeri during the launch of modern KEPHIS facilities, Kagwe emphasised the gravity of the issue.
“Anyone selling fake seeds is deliberately sabotaging the country. You are risking a national food crisis. That is economic sabotage, and it should be treated as treason. We will arrest immediately those involved,” he said.
The CS instructed security agencies to intensify crackdowns on illegal seed distributors and uncertified nurseries, while warning farmers to buy only certified planting materials.
He also issued a stern warning to thieves targeting agricultural farms, including those cutting down coffee trees and destroying avocado and macadamia plantations.
“Even as you steal, use your brains. What will you steal tomorrow after you cut down the coffee trees? The long arm of the law will catch up with you. We are pushing for the re-establishment of agricultural police to protect farmers,” Kagwe said.
Coffee hawkers warned
Kagwe further cautioned coffee hawkers who illegally buy cherry directly from farmers, often in exchange for alcohol, saying the practice exploits farmers and undermines formal markets.
The CS said the newly commissioned state-of-the-art KEPHIS laboratory in Nyeri will be a game-changer for farmers, offering advanced soil testing and plant health services to boost productivity and quality.
“This modern facility will support Central Kenya and other regions by helping farmers understand their soils, detect diseases early, and meet market requirements,” he said.
KEPHIS CEO Theophilus Mutui noted that land provided by Nyeri County will be used to support plant clinics, disease surveillance, and training programmes in partnership with the Kenya Seed Association and Wambugu Farm ATC.
“This facility will empower farmers with modern skills and compliance knowledge so they can compete globally,” Mutui said.
Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers, strengthening regulation, and securing Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
“Kenya’s farmers deserve protection. Anyone trying to sabotage agriculture will face the full force of the law,” he said.
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