The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Kenya Seed Company has ramped up efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit seeds in the market, according to its Board Chairperson, Wangui Ngirici.
Ngirici confirmed that a multi-agency team established earlier this year is making significant progress in addressing the issue of fraudulent seed traders operating across the country.
During a statement in Kirinyaga, Ngirici urged farmers to remain cautious and purchase seeds only from certified dealers, assuring them that sufficient quantities of certified seeds are available in the country. She emphasized that protecting farmers from deceitful traders is crucial for boosting food security in Kenya.
“Fake seeds have become a significant threat to the nation’s food security, and we are committed to dealing with unlicensed dealers decisively,” Ngirici said. The government has made strides in addressing the issue, with several arrests made earlier this year in connection with the sale of counterfeit seeds.
Agriculture Principal Secretary, Paul Ronoh, reinforced this stance, stating that the government is determined to eliminate rogue traders. “The time for fraudsters is over,” Ronoh declared, highlighting successful efforts to track and apprehend individuals involved in the illicit trade, even those who attempted to flee the country.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto reported significant improvements in Kenya’s food production over the past two years. He noted that the country currently has substantial food stocks, including 95 million 50kg bags of maize, nine million bags of beans, 10 million bags of wheat, and two million bags of rice. Ruto credited this success to the distribution of over seven million bags of subsidized fertilizer and other agricultural initiatives.
Ruto further pointed out that unlike in 2022, Kenya did not need to import maize in 2023 or 2024, marking a significant step toward achieving sustainable food security and reducing the cost of living.
