Maize farmers across Kenya have received a major boost after the government announced a reduction in the prices of seeds, following concerns raised by leaders and farmers from key crop-growing regions.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said President William Ruto had acted swiftly on the farmers’ requests, ordering an immediate reduction of maize seed prices to encourage higher production nationwide.
“We received concerns from farmers who complained about the high prices of maize seeds.
The President has directed the Kenya Seed Company to immediately reduce the prices of seeds so that farmers can afford them,” Kindiki said while inspecting ongoing development projects in Trans Nzoia County on Tuesday.
He outlined the new pricing structure, stating that the cost of 1kg of maize seeds will drop from 300 shillings to 260 shillings, 2kg from 600 to 525 shillings, 10kg bags from 3,125 to 3,000 shillings, and 25kg bags from 7,500 to 6,500 shillings.
Trans Nzoia County, often referred to as one of Kenya’s breadbaskets, has historically led the country in maize production.
Kindiki highlighted that reductions in fertilizer prices have already yielded results, with costs falling from Sh7,000 in 2022 to Sh2,500 today.
He noted that maize production increased from 44 million bags in 2022 to 75 million bags last year.
“The reduction of seed prices is intended to ensure production continues to rise and that farmers earn more. This is a presidential directive and going forward, we will bring prices even lower,” the Deputy President said.
Kindiki also commended Trans Nzoia leaders, including Senator Allan Chesang, Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, MPs, and MCAs for lobbying the President, noting their efforts as a demonstration of effective leadership.
“They requested the President to consider reducing the prices of seeds and he listened. We will continue working with them to ensure farmers benefit from government policies,” he said.
During his visit, the Deputy President also inspected major infrastructure projects, including the Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project in Saboti Constituency, a 1,035-unit development costing 2.7 billion shillings, and the 73-kilometre Kitale/Aturkan-Maili Saba-Kesogon-Chepareria-Murpus Road, currently being tarmacked at a cost of 15.4 billion shillings.
In addition, the government is constructing 326 kilometres of roads across Trans Nzoia at a cost of 38 billion shillings, building ten modern markets, and developing student hostels at Kitale National Polytechnic worth Sh413 million to accommodate 1,160 students.
“These projects are part of our journey to transform the country under President Ruto’s leadership. No region will be left behind,” Kindiki said.
He challenged political competitors to brace for a tough contest, emphasizing that voters will evaluate the government’s delivery of infrastructure, markets, electricity, and other development projects ahead of the next elections.
The DP was joined by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Senator Allan Chesang, Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau, and other leaders.
