Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe wants Parliament to impose treason-level penalties on those selling fake seeds. Says counterfeit seeds amount to economic sabotage and threaten food security.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged Parliament to introduce tougher penalties, including treason-level charges, for individuals selling counterfeit seeds and running unlicensed nurseries. He argued that the offense is equivalent to sabotaging the nation’s food security.
“Anyone selling fake seeds is deliberately sabotaging the country. That is economic sabotage, and it should be treated as treason,” Kagwe said at the launch of upgraded KEPHIS facilities in Nyeri.
The CS noted that fake seeds have been reducing productivity and frustrating farmers across the country.
Kagwe issued a strong warning to criminal groups involved in cutting down coffee trees and destroying macadamia and avocado farms. He said such acts threaten Kenya’s agricultural backbone.
“Even as you steal, use your brains. What will you steal tomorrow after you cut down the coffee trees?” he posed.
He added that the government is considering reinstating the agricultural police unit to enhance protection of farms.
The CS condemned coffee hawkers who buy coffee cherries directly from farmers—sometimes exchanging them for alcohol—saying the practice undermines formal coffee markets and exploits smallholder farmers.
He urged farmers to use certified markets and licensed buyers to ensure fair compensation.
The newly launched KEPHIS center in Nyeri will boost agricultural productivity through soil testing, disease surveillance, plant clinics, and training programs.
“This modern facility will help farmers understand their soils, detect diseases early, and meet both local and international market standards,” Kagwe said.
KEPHIS CEO Dr. Theophilus Mutui said the facility will work with local institutions to equip farmers with skills needed to compete globally.
KEPHIS Chairperson Joseph M’eruaki warned that some individuals are impersonating KEPHIS officers to sell counterfeit seeds.
“Our inspectors will soon be going round to ensure farmers are getting the right seeds for planting,” he said.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural value chains and ensuring that farmers are protected from exploitation.
