DCI detectives on Saturday arrested two suspects and recovered 624 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser in a crackdown on an illegal fertiliser syndicate in Uasin Gishu County.
The haul includes suspected adulterated Urea and DAP fertiliser believed to have been diverted from government-subsidised supplies, while four suspects remain at large.
The operation was carried out by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) in Kapsubere Village, Karuna Hills, within Moiben Sub-County.
According to the DCI, detectives arrested Joshua Ngetich, the owner of the homestead where the suspected illegal fertiliser operation was being conducted, alongside Lameck Odhiambo. However, four other suspects managed to escape into a nearby maize plantation and are currently being pursued.
During the raid, detectives recovered 550 bags of suspected adulterated Urea and DAP fertiliser, which investigators believe had been diverted from government-subsidised supplies intended for farmers.
The operation was later extended to Ziwa Sirikwa, where detectives searched a store linked to another suspect, Elphas Bett, who remains at large.
The search led to the recovery of an additional 64 bags of DAP fertiliser branded "Elgon Kenya" and 10 bags of Mavuno fertiliser, with each bag weighing 50 kilograms.
Police said all 624 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser have been secured as exhibits, while the two suspects remain in custody as they undergo processing ahead of being arraigned in court.
In a statement, the DCI reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of fake agricultural inputs.
"The DCI remains steadfast in dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs, safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and protecting the country's food security," the agency said.
Counterfeit and adulterated fertiliser has remained a major concern in Kenya, with authorities warning that fake agricultural inputs not only cause financial losses to farmers but also reduce crop yields and threaten national food security.
The DCI urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities as investigations continue and efforts intensify to track down the remaining suspects.