Police nab potato traders flouting packaging rules in Nyandarua
By Nicholas Waitathu, May 28, 2021
Police in Nyandarua County have intercepted eight lorries carrying potatoes in extended bags contrary to the Crops (Irish Potatoes) Regulations 2019.
The lorries carrying over 1,000 bags of immature potatoes were intercepted at various sub counties where police had mounted road blocks to arrest traders and transporters who were contradicting the regulations.
The crackdown to arrest producers and traders violating the regulations is being headed by a multi-agency team headed by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and counties.
Nyandarua County Police Commander Zakary Kimani said since Thursday night when the crackdown started, police have intercepted over 1,000 bags of potatoes and arrested the vehicles occupants who have been arraigned in various courts within the county.
“The current arrests status on potato regulations in Nyandarua is five lorries in Kinangop, two in Ndaragwa and one in Kipipiri. We will continue intensifying the crackdown to ensure the value chains have complied,” he said.
Nancy Jerobon OCPD Ndaragwa sub County said for several days the multi agency team has been sensitizing farmers and other value chain players on the Irish Potato Regulations 2019 in the to farmers within the entire Nyandarua county.
The value chain players risk tough penalties should they contravene the regulations. For example, dealers will be jailed for three years and fined Sh5 million if they violate the Crops (Irish Potatoes) Regulations 2019, warns Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
Transporters if caught moving the produce packed in extended bags contrary to the 50 kilogramme rule will be jailed for three months and a fine of Sh500, 000.
She said there was a multi agency operation along the Nyeri- Nyahururu and they managed to net two lorries.”One had 150 bags of immature potatoes and the other one had 160 bags which were towed to Ndaragwa Police station.
The drivers of the lorries will be taken to court. She Said most of the bags weighed between 60-70 kgs.
Last month in Meru county , five traders were arrested and three vehicles carrying extended potato bags intercepted.