Farmers in Kenya’s Rift Valley have swarmed Kenya Seed Company (KSC) and fertilizer depots following the onset of heavy rains, signaling the beginning of the planting season. The increased activity has been witnessed in major agricultural towns including Eldoret, Kitale, Kapsabet, and Mosoriot, as farmers rush to secure maize seeds at reduced prices.
The surge in demand comes after KSC had initially raised maize seed prices by over 30 percent, a move that sparked protests from farmers. The government intervened, leading to a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture instructing KSC to revert to previous pricing. This decision has been welcomed by farmers, who had expressed concerns over the increased cost of production.
David Kiberenge, a spokesperson for small-scale farmers, noted that many farmers prefer purchasing seeds directly from KSC as private dealers continue to sell at higher prices. “We are happy that KSC reduced the prices and we hope the market will respond similarly. However, some dealers had already bought seeds at the earlier high prices,” Kiberenge said.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh addressed a letter to Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror, explaining the rationale behind the decision. The letter, dated February 25, emphasized that food security remains a key government priority, necessitating the retention of maize seed prices at 2024 levels.
Under the revised prices, a 2kg packet of maize seeds will now cost Sh420, down from Sh600. A 10kg bag that had increased to Sh3,000 is now back to Sh2,100, while a 25kg bag has been reverted to Sh5,250 from Sh7,500. The price adjustments are expected to ease the financial burden on farmers and encourage increased maize production.
Ronoh further stated that the directive ensures farmers have access to quality seeds at affordable rates, thereby improving overall agricultural output. He also urged KSC and seed distributors to disseminate the revised prices promptly to prevent confusion in the market.
The government’s intervention is expected to enhance food security and support the livelihoods of farmers across the country. As planting season begins, the availability of affordable seeds will be crucial in boosting maize production and ensuring stable food supplies in the coming months.
