Kenya's certified seed production has increased to 80 million kilogrammes from 65 million kilogrammes in 2025, as the government steps up efforts to improve farmers' access to quality planting materials and strengthen food security.
The increase comes amid renewed concerns over counterfeit seeds, regulatory challenges and the need to ensure that farmers across the country can access affordable and suitable varieties.
Speaking during the 15th Seed Traders Association of Kenya (STAK) Congress and Expo, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the country had made progress in expanding seed production and developing varieties suited to different agro-ecological zones.
In his speech, read by Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi, Kagwe noted that 1,297 crop varieties had been released for use across the country's agro-ecological zones, averaging about 40 new varieties annually. Half of these are climate-smart varieties.
The congress was held under the theme, "Securing Kenya's Seed Future Through Innovation, Farmer Protection and Food Security".
Wanjohi said quality seed was the foundation of agricultural production, playing a critical role in improving productivity, strengthening resilience to climate change and supporting farmers to move from subsistence farming to commercially viable agriculture.
He, however, acknowledged that access, affordability, quality assurance and last-mile distribution remained major challenges, particularly for farmers in underserved areas.
"Poor seed limits the potential yield and reduces the productivity of the farmer's labour. High-quality seed is an assurance in achieving a good crop stand and rapid plant development, even under adverse conditions," he said.
He added that the government was prioritising the review of the National Seed Policy, 2010, and the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, Cap 326, in collaboration with stakeholders, including STAK.
The proposed changes are expected to address emerging issues, including recognition of farmer-managed seed systems, quality assurance and the role of county governments in improving seed access.
The government is also developing the Plant Genetic Resources Bill 2026, which seeks to establish a Plant Genetic Resources Centre to oversee the conservation of plant genetic resources and facilitate access and benefit-sharing.
Wanjohi said harmonising seed regulations would also facilitate the movement of seed across borders, improve regional trade and strengthen the competitiveness of Kenya's seed industry.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has announced plans to appeal a High Court ruling that declared some provisions of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act and its implementing regulations unconstitutional.
Simon Maina, head of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection at KEPHIS, said the ruling had weakened some of the enforcement tools used to combat counterfeit and substandard seeds.
He said the agency was working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Office of the Attorney General to address the implications of the judgment.
"We have formally launched an appeal in the Court of Appeal to contest this judgment and restore the legal backing required for strict enforcement of seed quality," he said.
Maina warned that shortages of certified seed could create opportunities for unscrupulous dealers to exploit farmers by selling counterfeit products.
"One of the reasons why fake seed gets a place is the shortage of quality seed. When we saturate the market with quality seed, we have the opportunity to ward off these cases of counterfeit seed," he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between regulators and seed companies to ensure adequate supplies of certified seed and protect farmers from unscrupulous traders.
Maina said KEPHIS was also embracing new technologies to improve seed quality assurance, including molecular tools for disease diagnosis, digital surveillance, automated seed treatment and faster certification processes.
The agency is upgrading laboratory diagnostics, digitising its operations and retraining inspectors to improve efficiency in variety testing, seed testing and certification.
He cited the development of portable testing equipment that can detect bacterial diseases in potatoes in the field, reducing reliance on conventional laboratory testing.
KEPHIS is also reviewing its digital seed certification and plant variety protection system with support from Trademark Africa to address operational gaps and improve service delivery.
Maina said delays in seed certification could have serious consequences for farmers, noting that a delay of even one week could cost a farmer an entire planting season.
He further called for stronger regional cooperation, saying the proposed East African Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill was at an advanced stage and would harmonise seed regulations across the East African Community.
The regional framework is expected to facilitate the release and commercialisation of crop varieties and improve access to quality planting materials across member states.
Wanjohi urged farmers to buy certified seed from authorised suppliers and select varieties suited to their local agro-ecological conditions.
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