Kenya: DCI seizes expired maize, and bean seeds in Bungoma and Kakamega

Published 2024년 12월 23일

Tridge summary

The Nairobi-based Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) have collaborated to confiscate large quantities of expired seeds, beans, and fertilizers in Bungoma and Kakamega Counties. The operation, aimed at addressing concerns over the circulation of substandard agricultural products, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of over 70 tons of maize, 10 tons of beans, and 50 bags of expired fertilizer. This crackdown underscores the government's efforts to ensure the availability of authentic agricultural inputs, following a scandal involving counterfeit fertilizers distributed through government channels. Farmers are advised to purchase only from certified dealers to avoid falling victim to fake products.

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Original content

Nairobi — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), has confiscated 124 bales of expired maize and bean seeds along with significant quantities of expired fertilizers in Bungoma County. The operation was initiated following reports of expired agricultural products circulating in the market, posing a threat to farmers and food security. Targeting Kanduyi division in Bungoma, law enforcement officers arrested Hillary Wafula and seized the expired seeds. The crackdown extended to Harambee Trading Centre in Kakamega County, where three additional suspects--John Kiniale, Mercy Merun, and Felix Oyath--were apprehended. Searches conducted at three residential houses uncovered approximately 70 tons of expired maize, 10 tons of beans, and 50 bags of 50kg expired fertilizer. All the confiscated products had been previously condemned for destruction. Presidential Warning Against Counterfeit Agricultural ...

Source: All Africa