Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged Parliament to enact tougher laws to deal with seed counterfeiters and uncertified nursery operators.
Kagwe said MPs should introduce treason-level penalties for individuals selling counterfeit seeds, warning that the crime threatens national food security and must attract the harshest punishment.
“Anyone selling fake seeds is deliberately sabotaging the country. That is economic sabotage and it should be treated as treason,” Kagwe said.
Speaking in Nyeri during the launch of modern Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) facilities, the CS directed security agencies to intensify crackdowns on those involved in the illegal trade.
This, as he urged farmers to only buy certified planting materials.
Kagwe 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 CS remarked.
“The long arm of the law will catch up with you. We are pushing for the re-establishment of agricultural police to protect farmers.”
He further cautioned coffee hawkers who illegally buy cherry directly from farmers, saying the practice, often traded for alcohol, exploits farmers and undermines formal markets.
Kagwe 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 both local and international market standards,” he said.
KEPHIS CEO Theophilus Mutui noted that land provided by the Nyeri County Government will support plant clinics, disease surveillance, and training programmes in partnership with the Kenya School of Agriculture and Wambugu Technical Institute for Agriculture.
“This facility will empower farmers with modern skills and compliance knowledge so they can compete globally,” the CEO said.
Kagwe was joined by Nyeri Senator, six Members of Parliament from Nyeri County, and the Chairperson of KEPHIS.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers, strengthening regulation, and ensuring Kenya’s agricultural value chains remain competitive and secure.
“Kenya’s farmers deserve protection. Anyone trying to sabotage agriculture will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) has warned farmers against purchasing or planting fake seeds ahead of the short rains.
The service said rogue officers are claiming to be Kephis employees who are selling fake seeds at the expense of food security.
Kephis chairman Joseph M’eruaki warned that fake seeds are likely to fail and can land one in jail.
“Very soon, our inspectors will be going round and will be
very keen to ensure farmers are getting the correct seeds for planting,” he
said.
