Kenya Seed Company Moves to Curb Fake Seeds, Pledges Consistent Supply of Certified Seeds

Key Highlights:

• Kenya Seed Company to increase production of certified, high-quality seeds.
• Chairperson Wangui Ngirici warns farmers against buying cheap, uncertified seeds.
• Low supply has opened space for counterfeit seeds in the market.
• New KEPHIS SMS verification system (code 1393) helps farmers confirm seed authenticity.
• Stakeholders urge government crackdown on fake seeds and unsafe agrochemicals.

Kenya Seed Company has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring farmers across the country access top-quality certified seeds, in a move aimed at eliminating the use of counterfeit and substandard planting materials.

Speaking during the Agitech Grand Expo held in Mitithi, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, company chairperson Wangui Ngirici said all necessary measures are being taken to meet the nation’s seed demand and curb the circulation of fake seeds that have hurt food production and farmer incomes.

Ngirici noted that shortages of certified seeds in the market often create loopholes exploited by unscrupulous traders who sell counterfeit seeds to unsuspecting farmers.

“When supply is low, some dishonest people take advantage to produce and distribute fake seeds in the market,” she said, adding that the use of uncertified seeds leads to poor yields and huge financial losses.

She urged farmers to prioritize quality and avoid being swayed by cheaper, uncertified options.

“I’m asking farmers not to go for the cheap because cheap ends up being expensive — it gives poor yields or no harvest at all,” Ngirici advised.

To combat seed counterfeiting, Ngirici revealed that the government, through the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), has rolled out a verification system that allows farmers to confirm the authenticity of seeds before planting.

Each certified seed packet now includes a scratch-off code, which can be sent via SMS to 1393 (free of charge) for instant verification of the seed’s variety and species.

The Agitech Expo, which brought together agricultural innovators and industry stakeholders, focused on technology, sustainability, and farm input integrity. Participants highlighted the growing threat posed by counterfeit seeds and unregistered agrochemicals in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Peter Karanja, Director of Mazao Afya, expressed concern over the rising influx of uncertified seeds and harmful agrochemicals allegedly smuggled from neighboring countries.

“We need to take strong action against those bringing fake seeds and unregistered chemicals into the market. These products are unsafe and endanger both farmers and consumers,” he said.

Karanja further urged the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to strengthen surveillance and enforcement against the importation of hazardous pesticides and chemicals that threaten human health and the environment.

“I would urge the government, in conjunction with PCPB, to be firm on these products because they are extremely dangerous,” he added.

The Kenya Seed Company pledged to continue expanding certified seed production and collaborating with regulators to secure the agricultural value chain, a crucial step toward achieving national food security.