One suspect arrested as police seize consignment of fake maize seeds in Nakuru

Detectives in Nakuru have arrested one suspect in connection to the packaging and sale of fake maize seeds to unsuspecting farmers in Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet counties.

A multi-agency team comprising officers from the criminal investigating department, and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) raided a timber yard in Njoro, Nakuru County, where they nabbed 34,780 packets of counterfeit packaging bags, 18 bags of maize seeds and 6,605 counterfeit sticker labels.

According to police, the suspect, Stephen Gicharu, has been conducting this illegal business for months, and that it may have earned him close to Ksh.13 million within the period.

"The combined street value of the confiscated packaging bags, maize seeds and counterfeit sticker labels amount to Ksh.13 million. All of which is tax-free," Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara said.

KEPHIS has since advised farmers in the region to remain vigilant and look out for counterfeit seeds especially during the planting season.

"Farmers need to extra vigilant since these counterfeits can easily pass as genuine seeds to an untrained eye," KEPHIS Acting Managing Director Simon Maina said.