Seed Industry Seeks Tax and Regulatory Reforms as Kenya Reviews Seed Laws

Seed Industry Seeks Tax and Regulatory Reforms as Kenya Reviews Seed Laws

Kenya's seed industry is calling for tax and regulatory reforms to improve farmers' access to affordable planting materials as the government reviews the country's seed policy and legislation.

The calls were made during the 15th Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) Congress and Expo in Nairobi, where industry representatives and government officials discussed seed production, affordability, quality assurance and the challenge of counterfeit products.

STAK Chairperson Betty Kiplagat called for a review of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on vegetable seeds, arguing that the tax increases production costs and makes quality seed less affordable for farmers.

She also urged the government to ensure that qualified seed companies participate transparently in the seed subsidy program and that suppliers receive payments on time.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, in remarks delivered by Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi, said Kenya's annual seed production had increased to 80 million kilograms from 65 million kilograms in 2025.

Kagwe attributed the growth partly to government interventions, including seed and fertilizer subsidies, as well as contributions from 150 seed companies.

He said the government was reviewing the National Seed Policy of 2010 and the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act to address issues including affordability, quality assurance and distribution, particularly in underserved areas.

The proposed review is also expected to recognize farmer-managed seed systems and clarify the role of county governments in improving access to planting materials.

Counterfeit and substandard seeds were another concern raised during the meeting. Kagwe called for stronger surveillance and enforcement, warning that poor-quality products could expose farmers to crop losses and undermine confidence in the seed sector.

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Head of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection Simon Maina said the agency was digitizing certification processes and upgrading laboratory diagnostics to improve seed testing and approval.

Maina also said KEPHIS had appealed a High Court ruling that weakened some enforcement provisions against counterfeit and substandard seed.

The discussions come as Kenya seeks to strengthen its seed supply system while balancing the interests of farmers, commercial seed producers and breeders.