Senators have called for increased budgetary support and irrigation expansion to strengthen Kenya’s seed production sector, citing critical challenges facing the industry, including pending government payments of Ksh1.7 billion and inadequate infrastructure.

In a statement posted on its X account on August 26, 2025, Parliament announced that the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries visited Kenya Seed Company Limited in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, to assess challenges and opportunities in the seed sector.

“The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, chaired by Senator David Wakoli (Bungoma), today continued its county oversight mission, with a visit to the Kenya Seed Company Limited in Kitale,” the statement reads.

Critical challenges

According to Parliament, the committee learned that Kenya Seed is facing significant liquidity issues due to outstanding payments owed by the government.

“The Committee was informed that Kenya Seed is owed approximately Ksh1.7 billion by both national and county governments, a pending bill that has created liquidity challenges and slowed expansion,” the statement noted.

Other concerns raised during the visit were the distribution of certified seed to farmers, the prevalence of fake seeds, and poor road networks leading to contracted farms, which senators said undermine efficiency.

“During the engagement, key issues were highlighted, including: the need for budgetary support to replace asbestos roofing, challenges in paying seed growers, and the urgent need to increase acreage under seed production,” Parliament reported.

Additionally, they pointed out the shortage of agricultural extension officers, warning that limited farmer education could impede the adoption of quality seeds.

“The Committee also expressed concern over the insufficient number of agricultural extension officers, noting the importance of scaling up farmer education,” Parliament stated.

Irrigation and production expansion

The committee stressed the seasonal and delicate nature of seed production, calling for the expansion of irrigation systems to enhance operations.

“Senators also noted that seed production is seasonal and delicate, and stressed the importance of expanding irrigation to scale up production,” the statement reads.

They further urged county governments to make more land available for seed production through partnerships and joint programmes.

“The Committee emphasised the role of county governments, through collaboration, in availing land for seed production,” Parliament stated.