Seed traders want jail terms and big fines for fake sellers

Seed traders are urging the Kenyan government to impose jail terms and steep fines on individuals and businesses selling counterfeit seeds. During the opening of the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) Congress in Nairobi on November 5, 2026, the traders emphasized that such practices jeopardize farmers' productivity and agricultural security.

STAK chairperson Betty Karanja proposed that offenders be fined an amount equivalent to the value of the fake seeds they possess, along with jail sentences. Karanja stressed that harsher penalties would deter the illicit trade and safeguard the nation's food supply. The traders also advocated for enhanced surveillance, improved seed tracking systems, and greater collaboration between regulators, seed producers, and law enforcement to identify and prosecute those involved in the sale of fake seeds.

STAK executive officer Joyce Karanja explained that the association has been advocating for policy and regulatory reforms to bolster seed management and defend farmers' interests. The reforms should tackle the obstacles faced by farmers while guaranteeing orderly industry operations. Government representatives at the congress recognized the peril posed by counterfeit and subpar seeds, emphasizing the necessity for robust enforcement and public awareness.

They stressed that coordination among regulators, seed firms, middlemen, and county governments would be crucial in shielding farmers from substandard planting materials. The demand for more stringent penalties follows ongoing calls from seed companies urging farmers to procure planting materials from licensed stockists to evade counterfeit products.

In March 2026, Kenya Seed Company's managing director Sammy Chepsiror assured farmers that the company had sufficient certified seeds for Kenya and the surrounding region ahead of the planting season. Chepsiror urged farmers to prepare their fields and make the most of good weather conditions while warning them against buying seeds from unverified sellers.

The company highlighted that supplying high-quality seeds through authorized agro-dealers was essential for promoting agricultural productivity and food security. The STAK congress convened over 150 delegates from Kenya, the East African region, and other countries to deliberate on challenges and prospects in the seed trade, encompassing regulation, farmers' rights, and the imperative to shield the market from counterfeit goods.