Eight arrested in suspected fertilizer fraud ring in Kakamega

Eight people have been arrested following a major crackdown on a suspected fertiliser adulteration and repackaging syndicate in Kakamega County.

In a statement on Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation has allegedly exposed a wider network targeting unsuspecting farmers.

The arrests were made during an intelligence-led raid conducted in Ejinja Village, Rurambi Sub-County, by the detectives working jointly with officers from the region.

Authorities said the premises had been under surveillance after being identified as a key processing and distribution point for fraudulent fertiliser products.

"A joint team of detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters — Operations Support Unit and their Kakamega-based counterparts conducted the raid at a homestead that had been identified as a processing and distribution point for fraudulent fertiliser products targeting unsuspecting farmers," the authorities stated.

According to investigators, the operation followed weeks of sustained monitoring and actionable intelligence, which indicated that government-subsidised fertiliser was being illegally diverted, altered, and repackaged for resale at market prices.

The scheme is believed to have exploited farmers enrolled in subsidy programmes, undermining efforts to make farm inputs affordable.

During the raid, detectives recovered two vehicles loaded with fertiliser bags, both full and empty, alongside large quantities of different fertiliser brands and types.

"A comprehensive search of the premises yielded significant exhibits, including two motor vehicles, both loaded with assorted fertiliser bags, both full and empty," the statement said.

Among the items seized were products labelled as subsidised fertiliser as well as other commercial brands commonly used by farmers.

Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that some of the fertiliser had been tampered with.

This included multiple bags suspected to have been adulterated, raising concerns about the quality and safety of the products that may have already reached the market.

In addition to the fertiliser, officers recovered dozens of empty branded bags, cement colour pigments believed to have been used to alter the appearance of the fertiliser, and sewing machines used for repackaging.

Authorities say the materials point to a well-organised operation designed to make the counterfeit products resemble legitimate, high-value fertiliser brands.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate exploited registered farmers by persuading them to redeem government-issued subsidy fertilizer vouchers on their behalf in exchange for small incentives," the authorities said.

The fertiliser would then be diverted from official supply chains, altered using chemical pigments, repackaged, and sold at higher prices, effectively defeating the purpose of the subsidy programme.

The DCI noted that the diversion and adulteration of fertiliser not only result in financial losses for farmers but also pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity, as compromised inputs can affect crop yields.

The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, crime scene personnel have processed the site as part of efforts to gather further evidence.

The DCI has reiterated its commitment to protecting critical government programmes from exploitation and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities involving the sale or handling of subsidised agricultural inputs.