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| From Left Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii,Dr. Kiprono Rono, the Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Kenya Seed Company Limited Sammy Chepsiror addressing the press. |
By Wasike Elvis
At the Kenya Seed Stand during the Eldoret ASK Show, Dr. Kiprono Rono, the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, addressed a significant concern that had been raised by the Kenya Seed Company regarding seed pricing. He acknowledged that there had been some challenges faced by the seed producers due to rising production costs over time, which were affecting their ability to offer seeds at affordable prices for farmers.
Dr. Rono shared that the government had carefully considered the request from Kenya Seed, which asked for a review of the seed pricing structure due to the challenges they were facing. In response, the government made important resolutions that would help alleviate the burden on both the seed producers and the farmers who rely on these seeds for their agricultural activities.
"The pricing of seeds by Kenya Seed will remain the same as last year," Dr. Rono confirmed. "I am happy to announce that starting today, all Kenya Seed Company depots and selling points have complied with the government's directives and have reduced the prices to match those of last year. This is a clear response to our government directive and is a significant support to our farmers."
The new prices, effective immediately, are as follows:
- 1Kg of seed: KSh 210
- 2Kg of seed: KSh 420
- 10Kg of seed: KSh 2,100
- 25Kg of seed: KSh 5,250
This announcement was received positively by the agricultural community, as it reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by making quality seeds more affordable. Dr. Rono also mentioned that discussions would continue to explore ways of reducing prices even further in the future, ensuring that both Kenya Seed and the farming community can thrive together.
While addressing the challenges faced by Kenya Seed Company, Dr. Rono acknowledged the importance of maintaining the company’s viability in order to support the broader seed industry in Kenya. "We need to ensure that Kenya Seed remains in good standing and profitable, so that they can continue supporting food security in our country. Ensuring that our seed producers are strong is critical to maintaining the quality of our agricultural outputs," he said.
In light of the difficulties faced by seed producers, the government is exploring ways to provide subsidies for the seeds, similar to the subsidy programs currently being implemented for fertilizers. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to support the agricultural sector and ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, certified seeds. Dr. Rono emphasized that the availability of quality seeds is directly linked to higher agricultural productivity, which is essential for food security in Kenya.
He further expressed gratitude to the leadership of Kenya Seed Company, particularly to Sammy Chepsiror, the Managing Director, for their cooperation and ongoing support to the agricultural sector. "I want to thank Kenya Seed, led by Sammy Chepsiror, for their dedication to providing quality seeds to our farmers. Together, we will continue to support the agricultural sector and work towards achieving sustainable food security in the country," Dr. Rono stated.
Dr. Rono also urged other seed companies to follow Kenya Seed's example and adjust their prices to ensure that all farmers benefit from the government’s support. "I urge other seed companies to take a cue from Kenya Seed and work with us to adjust their pricing in a way that supports farmers. We need to team up—both private and public sectors—so that farmers can receive the support they need to grow their crops and ensure food security across the country," he added.
Governor Jonathan Bii's Remarks on Seed Pricing and Fertilizer Subsidy
In addition to Dr. Rono’s speech, Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii also commended the government’s efforts in addressing seed pricing and ensuring the timely distribution of subsidized fertilizers. He acknowledged the positive impact these actions have had on local farmers, particularly in reducing the financial burden associated with input costs.
Governor Bii remarked that the government’s intervention in revising seed prices and ensuring efficient fertilizer distribution had significantly eased the challenges faced by farmers. "We commend the government's efforts in revising seed prices and ensuring the timely distribution of subsidized fertilizers. Through improved efficiency, our farmers can now access these critical inputs at last-mile stores without delays or long queues," Governor Bii stated.
His remarks further highlighted the government's commitment to improving agricultural productivity in Kenya by ensuring that farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs in a timely and affordable manner. This ongoing support is key to enabling farmers to produce more, ensuring food security, and fostering economic growth in the agricultural sector.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Sustainable Food Security
The discussions at the Kenya Seed Stand during the Eldoret ASK Show reinforced the collaborative effort between the government, seed companies, and local farmers to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. With the continued support of all stakeholders, Kenya is poised to strengthen its agricultural sector and address key challenges such as food security, climate change, and economic sustainability.
As the government works closely with industry leaders like Kenya Seed Company, and as other seed producers adjust their pricing in response to the government’s directives, the overall outlook for Kenya’s agricultural sector is optimistic. The efforts to subsidize fertilizers and seeds are clear indicators of the government's commitment to ensuring that farmers can access the resources they need to succeed.
The alignment between seed pricing, fertilizer subsidies, and other agricultural support programs is a powerful strategy that will not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the country’s broader economic growth. With a strong, collaborative approach, Kenya is set to continue advancing in its agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to the realization of its food security goals and long-term agricultural sustainability.
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