Bayer East Africa warns farmers against fake seeds

Bayer East Africa has called on farmers across the country to be cautious when buying seeds, warning that counterfeit products continue to harm harvests and livelihoods.

The company says uncertified seeds are undermining food security and placing thousands of smallholder farmers at risk.

Speaking during a pick up promotion campaign in Kisii, Managing Director John Kanyingi expressed concern over the growing circulation of fake seeds in local markets. According to him, many farmers have suffered disappointing yields and financial losses after unknowingly planting poor quality seed.

He emphasized that the campaign aims to protect farmers, improve yields, and stabilize food supply.

“We are telling our farmers to purchase seeds only from licensed agro-dealers and verify packaging details, including KEPHIS certification labels,” Kanyinke said. Certified seeds, he added, significantly boost productivity in maize, beans, and horticultural crops—key staples in Kenya’s food basket.

The initiative supports wider government efforts to strengthen national food systems, reduce reliance on imports, and shield households from rising food prices. At the same time, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service has stepped up market surveillance and enforcement measures ahead of the planting season. The agency is also increasing awareness campaigns to help farmers identify genuine agricultural inputs.

For many farmers, the message hits close to home. Catherine Kemunto from Bobasi shared how switching to certified DK maize varieties changed her fortunes. What was once a harvest of barely ten bags has grown to as many as forty sacks. The improvement has supported her family income and allowed her to pay school fees. She now encourages fellow farmers to use quality seed and adopt better farming practices.

Peter Nyabuto, also from Bobasi, recalled the disappointment of buying seed from an unverified dealer. The result was uneven germination and a poor harvest.

Kanyinke reiterated that access to certified seeds is critical to Kenya’s food security goals and urged farmers to remain vigilant against counterfeit agricultural inputs.