The Africa Science Dialogue and the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB-Kenya) organized a media science café in Nairobi on October 11, 2024. Attended by 20 media practitioners from 13 media houses in Kenya, the café sought to update journalists on the status Kenya’s seed regulatory system and seed access.
It emerged from the forum that the critical role of seeds has not received the attention it deserves in the country yet they are the fundamental component of food production. The seed sub-sector is the fulcrum to the country’s ambition to be food secure. Statistics indicate that approximately 35% of Kenya’s population – around four out of every ten Kenyans – suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition, with about 2.6 million people facing a food crisis. Therefore, the café emphasized on the need to educate the public about the various types of seeds and how to make the most of high-quality seeds for improved food production. Farmers deserve access to the best seeds available to optimize their yields.
Speaking at the café, Dr. Stephen Mugo of the Center for Resilient Agriculture for Africa explained three main types of seeds that Kenyan farmers use: Landrace seeds, open-pollinated variety (OPV) seeds, and hybrid seeds.
Dr. Mugo told the participants that hybrid seeds have been a key contributor to the significant growth in agricultural productivity during the second half of the 20th century. “Hybrids can be further improved through genetic engineering, resulting in genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds. GMOs involve inserting a gene from another organism into a plant to confer traits like drought tolerance or pest resistance,” he explained
Kenya boasts a strong seed regulatory framework that ensures seed quality and safety. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) oversees seed certification, import regulation, and quality assurance. The Seeds and Plant Varieties Act governs seed quality, covering regulations for production, processing, and sale of seeds, including forestry and wild plants.
According to Simon Maina, the Director of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection at KEPHIS, the Act has been amended to establish the Plant Genetic Resources Centre for Food and Agriculture, tasked with conserving plant genetic resources, including indigenous seeds, and protecting their associated knowledge. “This Centre plays a vital role in safeguarding Kenya’s plant biodiversity and advises the government on conservation policies. It also collaborates with international institutions, ensures the safety and accessibility of genetic material, and promotes research on plant genetics,” he said
Maina revealed that the country currently produces around 50,000 metric tons of certified seed annually, with over 200 registered seed companies, about 70 of which actively deal in crops like cereals, pulses, and horticultural products.
He further said KEPHIS is currently reviewing the National Seed Policy (2010), which promotes the availability of high-quality seeds through both public and private sector involvement. It also seeks to enhance food security, conserve biodiversity, and reduce poverty.
Despite these advancements, Kenya’s seed sector faces numerous challenges. These include the increasing number of seed companies and the growing demand for certification services, counterfeit seeds, limited resources for certification, the diversity of crops requiring certification, and the impacts of climate change, such as new pests and diseases. Misconceptions and misinformation surrounding seeds, especially climate-smart varieties, have further complicated efforts to promote their adoption.
“To address these challenges, Kenya is implementing digital certification services to increase efficiency and reduce costs, and is building capacity for inspectors and stakeholders. Greater awareness campaigns, expanded seed production in non-traditional areas, and stronger surveillance on seed quality are also part of the solution,” explained Maina.