Farmers Reject Privatization of Kenya Seed Company, Citing Food Security Concerns

Farmers from the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions of Kenya have vehemently opposed the government’s plan to privatize the Kenya Seed Company (KSC), fearing the move will compromise seed accessibility, seed sovereignty, and food security. This resistance was expressed during a traditional food fare in Nakuru, where farmers emphasized the critical role KSC plays in providing affordable seeds and supporting the nation’s agricultural stability.

The primary concern among farmers is that privatization will lead to a profit-driven focus, potentially increasing seed prices and limiting access to quality seeds. Francis Ngiri, a member of the Makongeni Farmers Network in Nakuru, highlighted the importance of government subsidies in keeping seed prices affordable. He warned that privatization could jeopardize this affordability, as private owners would prioritize profits over farmers’ needs. Ngiri also raised concerns about food security, questioning what would happen if a foreign entity bought KSC and either relocated its operations or shut it down.

Additionally, the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) seeds is a contentious issue. Ngiri speculated that there might be an ulterior motive to force GMOs onto farmers once KSC is privatized. This apprehension is compounded by the government’s recent decision to allow GMOs in the country, a move met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

Jennifer Adoyo, a smallholder farmer from Kakamega, echoed Ngiri’s sentiments, stressing the importance of KSC in ensuring food and nutrition security. She pointed out that the current price of maize seed packets, ranging from Sh500 to Sh700, could potentially double if the company were privatized. Adoyo also called for public participation in the decision-making process, arguing that farmers should have a say in the matter.

Mercy Ambani, Seed Savers Network Programme Officer in charge of Western Kenya, voiced concerns about the potential enforcement of the Seed and Plant Varieties Act by the new management, which could restrict farmers’ ability to save and sell indigenous seeds. This could lead to the prioritization of high-yielding cultivars produced by selective breeding, potentially sidelining regionally specialized seeds crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Ambani also warned that privatization could pave the way for the full introduction of GMOs, as private entities might be more inclined to invest in genetically modified seed technologies to boost productivity. This shift could disrupt biodiversity, ecological balance, and traditional farming practices, which have been the backbone of Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Farmers within the Seed Savers Network have petitioned the government to reconsider the privatization plan, citing the potential loss of seed and food sovereignty, the risk of fake seeds flooding the market, and the erosion of support for small-scale farmers. The petition, grounded in Article 37 of the Constitution and Article 19 Section 1(b) of the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Peasants, underscores the critical role of seeds in national security, likening their importance to that of the military.

In response to the threat of privatization, the Seed Savers Network Kenya has initiated a project aimed at bolstering community-led activism against such moves. The project seeks to promote social and economic development through the protection of traditional and regionally adapted seed varieties, which are vital for farmer-managed seed systems.

In conclusion, the proposed privatization of the Kenya Seed Company has sparked significant opposition among farmers, who fear the move will compromise seed accessibility, sovereignty, and food security. As the debate continues, it remains crucial for the government to engage with farmers and consider their perspectives to ensure a decision that supports the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s agricultural sector.