The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) today hosted a delegation from the Fertilizer Association of Kenya (FAK) for a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration in addressing emerging challenges within Kenya’s fertilizer sector.

The engagement, led by ACA Executive Director Robi M. King’a, PhD brought together officials from the Authority and representatives of FAK led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lillian Wanjiru. Discussions focused on counterfeiting, diversion of fertilizer, repackaging, cross-border movement of fertilizer into neighboring countries, product traceability and the need for stronger information sharing between the Authority and industry.

Dr. King’a underscored ACA’s commitment to protecting legitimate trade and supporting interventions that safeguard farmers, businesses and consumers. He noted that addressing illicit practices within the fertilizer sector is particularly important because of the sector’s direct link to agricultural productivity and food security.

“Effective enforcement depends on timely and credible information. Industry players understand their products, distribution channels and the legitimate market, and this information is critical in helping us identify emerging threats and intervene effectively. We therefore encourage FAK and its members to continuously share actionable information with the Authority,” said Dr. King’a.

During the engagement, FAK raised concerns over the diversion of fertilizer from intended markets, including its movement into neighboring countries, as well as repackaging, adulteration and the misuse of genuine packaging. The discussions highlighted the need to examine the fertilizer supply chain more closely to understand product movement and identify areas where interventions can be strengthened.

ACA emphasized the importance of sustained information sharing between the Authority and industry, noting that intelligence from manufacturers, importers and other legitimate market players can support investigations and enable enforcement teams to respond more effectively to suspected cases of counterfeiting and other illicit practices.

Product training for ACA’s gazetted enforcement officers was also identified as a key area for collaboration. The Authority encouraged FAK and its members to facilitate practical training that will enable officers to better understand genuine fertilizer products, packaging, authentication features and distribution channels, as well as emerging methods used in counterfeiting and repackaging.

“Product knowledge is critical to enforcement. Our gazetted enforcement officers need to understand the genuine products they encounter in the market, including their packaging and authentication features. Structured product training by FAK and its members will strengthen our officers’ ability to identify suspicious products and take appropriate enforcement action,” Dr. King’a added.

The meeting also explored the role of technology and traceability in strengthening the integrity of the fertilizer supply chain. FAK briefed the Authority on its upcoming traceability programme, which is expected to support product authentication and provide greater visibility across the supply chain.

ACA further emphasized the importance of reporting suspected infringements through the appropriate channels to facilitate investigations and enforcement. The Authority encouraged FAK members to maintain close engagement with ACA and provide relevant information whenever suspicious products, packaging or distribution activities are identified in the market.

As part of the agreed way forward, ACA and FAK will strengthen collaboration through a structured engagement framework, with a focus on information sharing, capacity building and coordinated interventions, while engaging relevant Government agencies where necessary to address emerging concerns within the fertilizer supply chain.

The courtesy visit concluded with both institutions reaffirming the importance of sustained collaboration between regulators, enforcement agencies and industry in tackling illicit trade. ACA reaffirmed its commitment to working with FAK and other stakeholders to protect farmers, support legitimate businesses and strengthen the integrity of Kenya’s fertilizer market