The 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 also follows requests from farmers concerning the increased prices.
“Upon consultation with your institution and other organs of the government and taking into consideration the government plan on food security, the ministry is directing that the prices for maize seeds, for 2025 long rain, be retained as per previous 2024,” the letter dated February 25, reads.
In the new prices, 1kg will now be sold at Sh210 while a 2kg will be Sh420.
A 10kg will retail at Sh2, 100 as 25kg goes for Sh5,250.
The prices, Ronoh said, take effect immediately.
“Ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to disseminate the communication in good time to seed producers, distributors and the public,” he stated.
This decision aims to ease the financial burden on agricultural producers and ensure increased access to quality seeds for improved crop yields.
The reduction is expected to boost maize production, enhance food security, and support the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
The move taken by the ministry, Ronoh added, is aimed at ensuring the seed programme is not affected by the high cost of production and other related costs.
This, as he added that his ministry is further considering subsidising the costs of seeds and other farm inputs under the government subsidy programme.
“You institution is therefore to submit a detailed costing for maize seeds production to be considered under the subsidy programme,” he added.
By Star