Kenya Seed Company announces maize seed price hike, sparking farmer outrage

KENYA—Kenya Seed Company, the leading seed producer and supplier in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region, has announced a substantial increase in maize seed prices, triggering widespread discontent among Kenyan farmers and traders.

In a recent X (Twitter) post, the company attributed the price hikes to rising production costs and market fluctuations.

“Dear Esteemed Customers and Farmers, to reflect the evolving landscape due to inflation and Production Costs, Kenya Seed Company, your trusted partner in agriculture, has adjusted maize seed prices,” read the statement.

The new prices see a 2kg packet of maize seed rise from KSh 420 to KSh 600 (approximately US$4.06 to US$4.07), while a 10kg pack will now cost KSh 3,000, up from KSh 2,000 (about US$28.38 to US$20.24).

Kipkorir Menjo, director of the Kenya Farmers Association, expressed concern over the impact of these increases.

“This would see most farmers resort to uncertified seeds, leading to low production. Farmers have been requesting subsidizing maize seed prices, yet the government is increasing the costs. Increased maize seed costs mean most farmers will plant using uncertified seeds,” Menjo stated

He added that this will lead to low production in maize-producing areas of Kitale, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi. Farmers should be given more support.

According to farmers, the price hike is expected to affect the affordability of maize seeds for many farmers, potentially resulting in a shift to uncertified seeds and reduced maize production.

The increase in prices of seeds has been a huge blow to us. As a struggling farmer, every shilling count, and this price hike means we have to stretch our already tight budgets even further. It’s becoming nearly impossible to afford the essential inputs we need to plant our crops,” a farmer lamented.

The move comes after the company, recently, announced that it has embarked on its activities to ensure adequate and quality input in the coming seasons.

 The target is to increase the acreage under maize seed production from 36,000 to more than 41,000 acres to meet the growing national demand from farmers.

 “The demand for seed in the country and the East African region is higher than the supply, and we are working on meeting the deficit next year,” said company Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror.

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