Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has proposed a minimum 10-year prison sentence for those found guilty of selling counterfeit seeds and fertilisers to farmers.
Speaking on Friday, February 21, Kagwe urged Members of Parliament to draft new legislation to impose this harsher penalty, emphasising that no fines should be allowed for those found guilty of selling counterfeit agricultural products.
Kagwe emphasised that the issue is one of national security, and that any action undermining the country’s agriculture system, which is critical to food security, should result in severe consequences.
“Currently, individuals caught with counterfeit seeds and fertilizers often face only minor charges. However, these actions are an attack on our economy. In my view, we must strengthen the punishment, imposing a jail sentence of at least 10 years with no option for a fine,” said Kagwe.
The CS’s proposal highlights the growing concern over the impact of fake agricultural inputs on the nation’s food production and economy.
