Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has reassured farmers that Kenya is well stocked with seeds for the upcoming planting season, even in light of the drought related losses anticipated in seed production.
While visiting the Kenya Seed Company (KSC) in Kitale, Kagwe emphasized that the company has taken the necessary steps to support farmers during these dry conditions, with losses expected to be between 25 and 30 percent.
He urged farmers not to mistake the decline in maize production for a shortage of planting seeds.
“We need to distinguish between the seed situation and maize production, which will clearly be lower than anticipated across the nation. The Kenya Seed Company has done an excellent job,” Kagwe stated.
He also highlighted that KSC is financially sound and has compensated seed growers.
"We have enough stocks in the country, so farmers shouldn’t be concerned about whether we’ll have sufficient seeds,” he added.
Kagwe pointed to climate change as a factor behind the unpredictable weather, noting that the government is relying on scientific forecasts for preparation.