A new Kenya Seed Company Depot launched in Bomet, seeks to tame fake seeds in the South Rift region

KENYA – The government of Kenya has launched the Kenya Seed Company Depot at the National Cereals and Produce Board grounds in Bomet County, an initiative aimed to support Kenya’s efforts to attain self-reliance on staple food.

Mithika Linturi, the Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary graced the launch also unveiled disease-resistant seeds aimed at boosting farmers’ yields even as he announced a campaign to combat necrosis in maize.

The Cabinet Secretary said his Ministry is actively collaborating with stakeholders in the maize sub-sector to address challenges hindering optimal crop production for the country’s staple.

According to the CS, both national and county governments have joined efforts to respond to challenges affecting agricultural productivity, which includes; high losses in maize due to occurrence of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease, high post-harvest losses due to low access to drying facilities, and limited access to high quality certified maize seeds.

The opening of the Bomet Kenya Seed Company depot is, therefore, a step towards mitigating these challenges for enhanced food and nutrition security of the people of Bomet and the neighbouring counties of Narok, Kisii and Kericho.

The Kenya Seed Company will distribute seeds that are tolerant to the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease.

Linturi also flagged off four mobile maize dryers with a capacity of ten to fourteen tons to tackle post-harvest losses in the South Rift region.

The CS noted that arrangements are underway to have another dryer stationed at Sotik NCPB Depot. So far, 43 Mobile Grain Dryers have been delivered and distributed to various NCPB depots.

“The mobile maize dryers will be used by farmers in the larger South Rift region at the NCPB depots. We have already procured 100 mobile grain dryers with. Currently, forty three dryers have been delivered and distributed to various NCPB Depots,” he said.

Fight against fake seeds

Linturi further stated that his Ministry would increase the number of seed inspectors to enhance surveillance in maize seed farms and agro vet shops nationwide to remove fake seeds from agro vet outlets and tackle maize diseases.

“Anyone selling fake seeds must be ready to face a fine of Ksh 1 million or face six months imprisonment or both. Our farmers deserve quality inputs to enable them to succeed,” added the PS.

Bomet Governor Dr. Hillary Barchok who also graced the event welcomed the opening of the Kenya Seed Company Depot facility in the area terming it a big boost for farmers in the region.

“Bomet is known for maize farming, unfortunately for the last 13 years we have been supplied with fake seeds but with this new development, we are now guaranteed quality seeds and improved production,” said Barchok.

Kenya Seed Company MD Sammy Kiplagat Chepsiror, Bomet County Commissioner Dr Ahmed Omari, local MPs and MCAs, officials from national and county levels of government, farmers, and other stakeholders, also attended the event.

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