Former long-serving Kenya Seed Managing Director Nathaniel Tum has died at the age of 73.

Tum’s son Edwin Kiprop said his father died on Tuesday morning at Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

“We lost our father at about 7:30am after a long battle with Myeloma cancer that eventually led to cardiac arrest,” said Kiprop who described his father as a great man and role model to many.

Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Fred Oloibe pledged support for Tum’s family.

“We have learnt of the demise of Dr Nathaniel Tum with shock and disbelief. We join his family, friends and relatives in expressing our heartfelt condolences,” Oloibe said.

Tum (pictured) served as the Managing Director of the giant seed company from 1980 to 2003.

Seed farmers in Trans Nzoia County expressed shock over his death.

“Tum was instrumental in helping and encouraging many farmers to venture into what today has transformed the giant company into a powerhouse,” said John Kituyi.