Security agencies on Friday foiled a suspected government fertiliser theft syndicate in Matungu, Kakamega county, seizing 30 tonnes of fertiliser.
Four people, including two lorry drivers and two other workers, were arrested.
Two lorries loaded with fertiliser from the Ministry of Agriculture were also impounded during the operation led by Matungu Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Catherine Kimaet.
The reported owner of the compound in Eshirumbwe village, Koyonzo ward, where the repackaging was taking place, is at large.
The operation followed a tip-off about suspected fertiliser repackaging activities at a house in the village.
“We received a tip-off that fertiliser was being repackaged in Eshirumbwe A village. We laid an ambush in the village and seized two lorries loaded with fertiliser from the Ministry of Agriculture,” Kimaet said.
A bag-sealing machine and a labelling machine were also seized during the operation.
Several 50-kilogramme bags had already been repackaged and were awaiting distribution to points of sale.
“The four suspects are assisting authorities with investigations as officers work to establish the origin of the fertiliser, its intended destination and the possible extent of the suspected distribution network,” Kimaet said.
The impounded lorries were handed over to officers from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
The multi-agency team comprised police officers, members of the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and representatives from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
Kimaet condemned cartels for profiteering from the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, warning that authorities would not allow unscrupulous traders to undermine the initiative.
“The President has made every effort to ensure Kenyans get subsidised fertiliser, but unscrupulous traders are turning it into a cash cow. We shall not let them thrive,” she said.
Government-subsidised fertiliser is intended to make farming more affordable and strengthen the food production chain.
The subsidised fertiliser is sold to registered farmers through the redemption of vouchers sent to them via their mobile phones.
Authorities are investigating how the subsidised fertiliser left the National Cereals and Produce Board depots and the extent of the suspected syndicate.
