Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing journalists in Nyeri yesterday. He is with, from left; KEPHIS CEO Theophilus Mutui, Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Mathira's Eric Wamumbi.
By MKT Reporter
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for the harshest possible punishment for individuals involved in the sale of fake seeds, saying the offence amounts to economic sabotage and should be treated as treason.
Speaking yesterday in Nyeri during the launch of the modern Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) facilities, the CS urged Parliament to pass laws imposing treason-level penalties on those caught counterfeiting seeds or distributing 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, as he challenged lawmakers who were accompanying him to lead in ensuring the law was passed.
He directed security agencies to intensify crackdowns on illegal seed distributors and uncertified nurseries, warning farmers to only buy certified planting materials. Kagwe also issued a stern warning to individuals vandalizing farms and cutting down coffee trees, avocado, and macadamia plantations, saying such acts threaten Kenya’s agricultural backbone.
“Even as you steal, use your brains. What will you steal tomorrow after you cut down the coffee trees?” he 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.”
The CS further cautioned coffee hawkers who buy cherry directly from farmers, describing the practice, often traded for alcohol as exploitative and damaging to formal markets.
Kagwe hailed the newly commissioned state-of-the-art KEPHIS laboratory in Nyeri as a major boost for the country’s farmers.
He said the facility will provide advanced soil testing, plant health diagnostics, and quality assurance services that will enhance productivity and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.
“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 Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui noted that the land provided by the Nyeri County Government will host plant clinics, disease surveillance programs, and farmer training initiatives in collaboration with the Kenya School of Agriculture and Wambugu Farm ATC.
“This facility will empower farmers with modern skills and compliance knowledge so they can compete globally,” Prof. Mutui said.
The CS was joined by Nyeri County leaders, including Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Members of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), and Eric Wamumbi (Mathira) as well as the KEPHIS Chairperson and senior officials.
Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers, strengthening agricultural regulation, and ensuring Kenya’s value chains remain globally competitive.
“Kenya’s farmers deserve protection. Anyone trying to sabotage agriculture will face the full force of the law,” he said.
Earlier, during the tour of the KEPHIS farm in Nyeri, Kagwe underscored the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing agriculture through innovation, technology, and youth inclusion. He praised KEPHIS for its vital role in seed certification, plant health regulation, and phytosanitary inspection—all key to driving productivity and ensuring food security.
“Smart Farming, Bright Future – Technology Driving Agriculture Forward,” Kagwe said, emphasizing the government’s focus on building a resilient, technology-driven agriculture sector that creates opportunities for the youth and guarantees sustainable food systems.
Nyeri County, he added, continues to set the pace in Kenya’s coffee industry, recording some of the highest cherry prices in the country, an achievement attributed to digital traceability systems, cooperative modernization, and agritech-driven innovation hubs that empower young farmers.
The MPs said they supported Kagwe’s sentiments as if followed they would improve productivity and farmers proceeds.
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