The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its operation against counterfeit fertiliser in Uasin Gishu County, arresting three more suspects and confiscating roughly 3,500 bags of fake agricultural fertiliser.
The recent seizure raises the total amount of counterfeit fertiliser recovered in the ongoing investigation to over 4,100 bags, marking one of the largest enforcement actions targeting the illegal fertiliser trade in Kenya in recent times.
Details of the Operation
On July 25, 2026, acting on intelligence, detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) raided premises in the Kabenes area of Soy Sub-County. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals believed to be linked to a criminal network distributing counterfeit fertiliser.
The suspects are currently in custody pending arraignment, while the seized fertiliser has been secured as evidence.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
- Earlier raids in Uasin Gishu resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 624 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser, including adulterated urea and DAP fertiliser diverted from government subsidy programmes.
- Additional bags of DAP and Mavuno fertiliser were also seized during subsequent searches.
- Several other suspects remain at large, with the DCI actively pursuing them.
Significance
The crackdown aims to protect farmers from the harmful effects of counterfeit fertiliser, which can severely reduce crop yields and jeopardise food security. The DCI emphasises its commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of fake agricultural inputs.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated value of the seized fertiliser or identified those responsible for its production. Further arrests are anticipated as investigations continue.
