Eight people are in custody after detectives uncovered what authorities describe as a coordinated scheme to tamper with and repackage fertiliser in Kakamega County, raising fresh concerns over the safety of farm inputs and the integrity of subsidy programmes.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the arrests followed a targeted operation that has reportedly revealed a broader network preying on unsuspecting farmers.
The suspects were arrested during a raid at Ejinja Village in Rurambi Sub-County. The operation was carried out by detectives from DCI headquarters working alongside officers from Kakamega, after the site was placed under close watch over suspected illegal activities.
"A joint team of detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters — Operations Support Unit and their Kakamega-based counterparts conducted the raid at a homestead that had been identified as a processing and distribution point for fraudulent fertiliser products targeting unsuspecting farmers," the authorities stated.
Investigators said the action came after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, which pointed to the illegal diversion of government-subsidised fertiliser. The products were allegedly altered and repackaged before being sold at normal market rates.
Authorities believe the scheme took advantage of farmers registered under subsidy programmes, weakening government efforts aimed at lowering the cost of agricultural inputs.
During the operation, officers seized two vehicles carrying fertiliser bags, both filled and empty, as well as a large stock of different fertiliser brands.
"A comprehensive search of the premises yielded significant exhibits, including two motor vehicles, both loaded with assorted fertiliser bags, both full and empty," the statement said.
Among the recovered items were fertiliser labelled as subsidised products and other commonly used commercial brands. Detectives also found signs that some of the fertiliser had been interfered with.
Several bags are suspected to have been adulterated, raising fears that compromised products may have already been distributed to farmers.
Officers also recovered dozens of empty branded bags, cement colour pigments believed to have been used to change the appearance of the fertiliser, and sewing machines used in the repackaging process.
Authorities say the findings point to a structured operation aimed at passing off altered fertiliser as genuine, high-value brands.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate exploited registered farmers by persuading them to redeem government-issued subsidy fertilizer vouchers on their behalf in exchange for small incentives," the authorities said.
The fertiliser would then be removed from official supply channels, modified using chemical pigments, repackaged, and sold at higher prices, undermining the goal of the subsidy programme.
The DCI warned that such practices not only cause financial losses to farmers but also threaten food production, as poor-quality inputs can affect crop performance.
The suspects are being held as investigations continue, with plans to present them in court. Crime scene officers have also examined the site to collect more evidence.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding key government programmes and called on the public to report suspicious dealings involving subsidised farm inputs.