State Slashes Maize Seed Prices Under KSh2 Billion Subsidy Programme

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Farmers across the country are set to benefit from lower maize seed prices following a government directive backed by a KSh2 billion subsidy.

The Ministry of Agriculture has ordered for an immediate prices reduction through the Kenya Seed Company for the 2025 to 2026 planting season.

The revised pricing structure, communicated by the State Department for Agriculture, is expected to significantly ease the cost burden on smallholder farmers ahead of the next planting cycle.

Under the new rates, a 1kg packet of maize seed will retail at KSh260, a 2kg packet at KSh525, a 10kg packet at KSh2,625, and a 25kg package at KSh6,560.

Officials say the subsidy programme is part of a broader government intervention aimed at enhancing food security by increasing access to certified seeds.

The directive follows a presidential order relayed through the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, underscoring the urgency of stabilizing agricultural production amid rising input costs.

“As you are aware, the Government has allocated Kshs 2,000,000,000 to the Kenya Seed Company to facilitate the immediate implementation of the maize seed subsidy programme,” said the ministry’s Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh.

The ministry indicated that the price reductions take effect immediately, with Kenya Seed Company tasked with ensuring timely distribution across the country.

The move is expected to improve uptake of certified seeds, which are critical in boosting yields and reducing vulnerability to crop failure.

Farmers and agriculture stakeholders have welcomed the intervention, noting that high seed prices have in recent seasons limited farmers’ ability to plant on optimal acreage.

“Lower prices are likely to translate into increased maize production in addition to reducing cost of inputs and production,” stated Mary Cherop, a farmer in Rongai, Nakuru County.

The subsidy also aligns with ongoing government efforts to cushion farmers from escalating production costs, including fertilizer and fuel, which have contributed to reduce farm output in recent years.

According to President William Ruto, in a past address, by lowering entry costs at the planting stage through subsidy seeds and fertilizers, the government aims to stimulate productivity and stabilize flour prices in the market.

Dr Kipronoh reiterated that the Kenya Seed Company, the primary supplier of certified maize seed in the country, is expected to play a central role in executing the directive.

Distribution networks are being mobilized to ensure seeds reach farmers in time for the rains, particularly in high-production regions such as the Rift Valley, Western, and parts of Eastern Kenya.

The intervention comes at a critical time as the country continues to grapple with food security concerns driven by erratic weather patterns and fluctuating commodity prices.

Farmers say sustained support for input subsidies, coupled with improved extension services, will be key to achieving long-term agricultural resilience.