Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has called for the toughest punishment yet against individuals selling fake seeds.

Speaking in Nyeri during the launch of the modern Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) facilities, Kagwe said such people should face treason charges due to the threat they pose to national food security

The CS urged Parliament to pass laws imposing penalties as severe as treason for those involved in counterfeiting seeds and selling uncertified nursery materials.

“Anyone selling fake seeds is deliberately sabotaging the country. You are risking a national food crisis. That is economic sabotage and it should be treated as treason. We will arrest immediately those involved,” Kagwe said.

Fake seeds are a national security issue and should be handles as such. Thos who are selling fake seeds should be held as treasonable individuals, it is treason because what happens when people don’t have food?

Crackdown on Illegal Seed

Kagwe directed security agencies to intensify crackdowns on illegal seed distributors and uncertified nurseries, warning farmers to only buy certified planting materials.

He also issued a stern warning to thieves targeting agricultural farms, including those cutting down coffee trees and destroying avocado and macadamia plantations.

“Even as you steal, use your brains. What will you steal tomorrow after you cut down the coffee trees?” the CS remarked. “The long arm of the law will catch up with you. We are pushing for the re-establishment of agricultural police to protect farmers.”

He further cautioned coffee hawkers who illegally buy cherry directly from farmers, saying the practice—often traded for alcohol—exploits farmers and undermines formal markets.

KEPHIS Laboratory

Kagwe said the newly commissioned state-of-the-art KEPHIS laboratory in Nyeri will be a game-changer for farmers, offering advanced soil testing and plant health services to boost productivity and quality.

“This modern facility will support Central Kenya and other regions by helping farmers understand their soils, detect diseases early, and meet both local and international market standards,” he said.

KEPHIS CEO Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui noted that land provided by the Nyeri County Government will support plant clinics, disease surveillance, and training programmes in partnership with the Kenya School of Agriculture and Wambugu Technical Institute for Agriculture.

“This facility will empower farmers with modern skills and compliance knowledge so they can compete globally,” the CEO said.

Kagwe was joined by Nyeri Senator, six Members of Parliament from Nyeri County, and the Chairperson of KEPHIS.

The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers, strengthening regulation, and ensuring Kenya’s agricultural value chains remain competitive and secure.

“Kenya’s farmers deserve protection. Anyone trying to sabotage agriculture will face the full force of the law,” he said.

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Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe speaking in Nyeri during the launch of modern Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) facilities. PHOTO/Ministry of Agriculture.