Kenya is positioning itself to become the leading seed bank in Africa, with a strategic focus on expanding its footprint beyond Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, highlighted the critical role of research-based technologies in addressing Kenya’s growing demand for seeds.
“The demand for seed maize in Kenya stands at 70 million kilos, with Kenya Seed Company producing 40 million kilos, and private firms contributing another 30 million kilos,” Rono said.
The Principal Secretary added that the remaining demand is met through other agricultural value chains, underscoring the ongoing efforts to close the gap.
He spoke at the Kenya Seed Company's field day held at the Elgon Downs Farms in Endebess, where stakeholders and farmers gathered to showcase the company's progress in seed production and agricultural innovations.
Kenya Seed Company’s expansion strategy aims to enhance its influence across the region and solidify Kenya’s role as a regional agricultural hub.
The company currently holds 65% of the local market share, a figure attributed to its market-driven approach that combines high-quality seed production with affordability.
The Managing Director, Sammy Chepsiror, noted that technological advancements in research and development have been central to their success.
"We are committed to producing high-quality seeds tailored to withstand diverse climatic conditions, ensuring better agricultural yields for farmers," Chepsiror remarked.
The Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC) Managing Director, Dr. Wilson Tanui, pointed out that while there has been significant progress in seed production, some farmers still opt for uncertified seeds.
These seeds often lead to poor yields, contributing to the ongoing challenges of food security in certain regions.
"The uptake of certified seeds remains low, and insecurity in various parts of the country has exacerbated these issues, hindering the full potential of the seed sector," said Dr. Tanui.