Kenya slashes maize seed prices to boost farmer affordability
KENYA – The Kenyan government has reviewed the prices of maize seeds in a significant move aimed at making them more affordable for farmers ahead of the long rains planting season.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh, in a letter addressed to the Kenya Seed Company managing director, stated that this decision follows numerous requests from farmers concerned about rising seed prices.
The directive, issued on February 25, ensures that maize seed prices for the 2025 planting season will remain at the same rates as in 2024, a measure intended to ease the financial burden on farmers and boost national food security.
Under the new directive, maize seed prices will be set at KES 210 (US$1.47) for a 1 kg packet, KES 420 (US$2.94) for a 2 kg packet, KES 2,100 (US$14.70) for a 10 kg packet, and KES 5,250 (US$36.75) for a 25 kg packet.
These prices take effect immediately, reversing a previous hike by the Kenya Seed Company in November 2024.
During the 2024 planting season, the seed producer raised maize seed prices by over 30%, citing rising production costs and market fluctuations as the reasons.
“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 saw 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).
Ronoh emphasized that the new adjustments is part of the government’s broader plan to ensure that high production costs do not disrupt the country’s seed supply program.
He further noted that the Ministry of Agriculture is considering expanding the government subsidy program to include maize seeds and other essential farm inputs. To support this initiative, the Kenya Seed Company has been asked to submit a detailed costing of maize seed production to assess its eligibility for subsidies.
This policy shift comes at a crucial time when Kenya has declared self-sufficiency in maize production for the first time in 16 years.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently announced that the country will not need to import maize in 2025, marking a major departure from previous years when Kenya relied on imports to bridge production deficits. The milestone is attributed to favorable weather conditions, improved farming practices, and increased investment in local maize production.
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