Kenya Seed Company has admitted that indeed there was a shortage of maize seed in the country.
The company director Sammy Chepsiror informed the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, which is probing the causes of shortage and increase in maize seeds prices that the shortage was as a result of general increase in the national demand for all varieties of maize seeds to 41 million Kgs against Kenya Seed Company and other industry players projection of 37 million Kgs during the 2023/24 planting season.
On the reasons for low production of maize seeds by the Company the MD defended himself telling the Committee that despite putting up strategies to increase their seed production, factors such as insufficient arable land, climate change and post-harvest losses still hindered them.
The committee chaired by Tigania West MP John Mutunga also wanted to know why the company reviewed maize seed prices upwards, heard that the move resulted from an agitation by seed growers due to low profit margins and failure to break-even in seed growing enterprises as compared to other agricultural ventures.
The MD also stated that a stakeholders meeting was then held in Eldoret in March 2024, and the parties resolved that producer prices of Kshs 110 and selling price of Kshs 300 per Kg be adopted.
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Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) has a current contract with Kenya Seed Company for growing hybrid seed maize and that a total of 9,101 acres had been planted in Trans Nzoia County.
ADC MD Dr. Wilson Tonui said that different seed varieties form Kenya Seed Company had been planted in the 2024 season and they expect over 10 million Kgs of clean seed.
Dr. Tonui told the Members that the lack of direct government funding at times forces them into financial constraints that hinder their operational efficiency.
The Corporation has been seeking funding to boost production capacity and productivity through off season planting using irrigation.
By Obegi Malack
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