The Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya (ACA) today hosted a delegation from the Fertilizer Association of Kenya (FAK), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Lilian Wanjiru Mbuthia (PhD), for a courtesy visit and discussions on strengthening collaboration in addressing emerging challenges within the fertilizer sector.

The engagement, led by ACA Executive Director Robi M. King'a PhD, focused on counterfeiting, diversion and repackaging of fertilizer, misuse of genuine packaging, cross-border movement into neighbouring countries, and the need for stronger product traceability across the supply chain.

With fertilizer playing a critical role in agricultural productivity and food security, the discussions underscored the importance of protecting farmers and legitimate businesses from illicit practices that can compromise product quality and distort the market.

A key area of emphasis was information sharing. Executive Director Robi M. King'a noted that timely and actionable information from industry is essential in supporting intelligence-led investigations and enabling the Authority to respond effectively to suspected illicit activities.

“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,” said Dr. King’a.

The two institutions also discussed product training for ACA’s gazetted enforcement officers, with FAK and its members providing technical product knowledge to strengthen officers’ ability to distinguish genuine fertilizer products from suspected counterfeits and identify irregularities in packaging and authentication features.

Technology and traceability also featured prominently in the engagement, with FAK sharing ongoing efforts to enhance product authentication and visibility across the fertilizer supply chain.

FAK CEO Lilian Wanjiru Mbuthia (PhD) emphasized the value of sustained cooperation between industry and enforcement agencies in responding to challenges affecting the sector.

“Protecting the fertilizer supply chain requires strong collaboration, information sharing and traceability.”

As part of the way forward, ACA and FAK will strengthen collaboration through a structured engagement framework, focusing 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 Authority remains committed to working with industry and other stakeholders to protect farmers, safeguard legitimate trade and strengthen the integrity of Kenya’s fertilizer market.