A multi-agency security crackdown in Uasin Gishu County has resulted in the arraignment of nine suspects, exposing a massive syndicate accused of manufacturing and selling counterfeit fertiliser to unsuspecting farmers.

As the critical long rains planting season approaches, authorities have intercepted a fraudulent operation that threatened to decimate crop yields across Kenya's breadbasket.

The agricultural sector is the undisputed backbone of the East African economy, employing millions and ensuring national food security. The infiltration of adulterated farm inputs not only defrauds hardworking farmers of their meager capital but also poses a systemic risk to the country's food supply chain, making this crackdown a matter of urgent national interest.

The Naiberi Raid

The dramatic bust occurred at the Kotut Balers Agro-Feeds store located in the Naiberi Shopping Centre. Acting on actionable intelligence provided by vigilant members of the public, a contingent of police officers descended on the premises on February 14, 2026. Inside, they uncovered a sophisticated adulteration facility operating in plain sight.

The suspects were allegedly caught red-handed mixing legitimate National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) subsidised fertiliser with foreign chemicals, notably iron oxide black, to mimic the appearance of premium Diammonium Phosphate (DAP). The counterfeit product was then repackaged into fake branded sacks for resale at exorbitant market prices.

• Seized Contraband: Over 750 bags of adulterated fertiliser weighing 50kg each.
• Financial Value: The impounded consignment is estimated to be worth Sh3 million (approx. KES 3,000,000).
• Equipment Confiscated: Weighing scales, moisture meters, sewing machines, and chemical drying agents.

Legal Proceedings and Bail

The nine accused, including prominent local businessman Emmanuel Kipkogei, were presented before Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Rodgers Otieno. They vehemently denied three separate counts related to the manufacture and possession of counterfeit goods contrary to the Anti-Counterfeit Act.

Defense lawyer Jepsongol Tallam pleaded for leniency, arguing that the majority of the suspects were mere casual wage earners acting under the directives of elusive masterminds. Recognizing their fundamental rights, the court granted each suspect a Sh150,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of Sh50,000.

Protecting the Farmer

This incident has sent shockwaves through the North Rift, Western, and South Rift farming communities. Uasin Gishu Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Wekesa termed the operation a "serious economic crime," warning that the rogue chemicals posed severe risks to soil health and crop viability.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Ronoh has since intensified inspections of NCPB depots nationwide, urging farmers to utilize the secure e-voucher system to procure authentic inputs. With the prime architect of the Naiberi syndicate reportedly still at large, the police have expanded their manhunt.

"Farmers must exercise vigilance. Counterfeit fertiliser not only leads to poor yields but also undermines government efforts to support agricultural productivity," warned local leaders, urging a collective defense against agricultural sabotage.