Government Retains Maize Seed Prices After Farmers’ Complaints

The government has stepped in to address farmers’ concerns about high maize seed prices by directing the Kenya Seed Company (KSC) to review its pricing for the upcoming long rains planting season.

In an official communication to KSC Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development acknowledged receiving numerous complaints from farmers regarding the increased cost of maize seeds. In response, the government instructed KSC to adjust the prices to provide relief to farmers.

“The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has received several appeals from farmers concerning the high cost of maize seeds for the 2025 long rains planting season,” the ministry stated in a letter addressed to Chepsiror.

“After holding discussions with different government agencies, the ministry has decided that maize seed prices for the 2025 planting season should remain unchanged from 2024,” the statement continued.

With this directive, maize seed prices will be retained at the previous year’s rates:

• 1 kilogram will cost Ksh210
• 2 kilograms will be priced at Ksh420
• 10 kilograms will retail at Ksh2,100
• 25 kilograms will be sold for Ksh5,250

Government’s Goal to Support Farmers

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, keeping maize seed prices stable is part of the government’s broader plan to make farming more affordable and promote food security across the country.

The revised prices officially took effect on February 25, and the government has tasked KSC with informing farmers, seed distributors, and the general public to prevent fraudulent dealers from taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

Kenya experiences its long rains between March and May, a crucial planting period for maize farmers. By ensuring stable seed prices, the government aims to encourage more farmers to engage in maize production without financial strain.

Crackdown on Fake Seeds

At the same time, the government has instructed KSC to guarantee that only certified and genuine maize seeds reach farmers. This follows recent reports of counterfeit seeds being sold in the market, which pose a significant threat to food production and farmers’ livelihoods.

In response to this issue, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has proposed harsher penalties for those involved in selling fake seeds. He suggested that anyone caught distributing counterfeit seeds should face a minimum jail term of 10 years without the option of a fine.

“My view is that we should strengthen the punishment. If someone is found guilty of selling fake seeds, they should be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison, without any alternative of a fine—just straight to jail,” CS Kagwe said while addressing the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture on February 21.

Kagwe emphasized that agriculture plays a vital role in national security. He warned that any activities that sabotage food production should be treated as a serious offense, with severe legal consequences.

By maintaining stable maize seed prices and cracking down on counterfeit seeds, the government hopes to support farmers, protect food production, and safeguard Kenya’s food security.

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