Nairobi, Kenya
March 28, 2008
USDA/FAS GAIN report Number:
KE8010
Highlights
Corn seed dominates the
Kenya seed sector with vegetable seed rapidly growing
Introduction
Kenya’s seed industry consists of formal and informal sub
sectors. These are distinguished by circumstances of seed
handling. The informal sub sector (80 %) involves mainly cases
where farmers use seed from unregulated sources (own seed, saved
from own production, or bought from the local market, or seed
obtained from neighbors). The formal seed sector (20 %) operates
through an established regulatory (Cap 326) process and
according to international seed testing and certification
schemes (ISTA and OECD respectively). The latter is applicable
mainly to seeds of major and/or high value crops grown in high
potential or under intensive production systems. Development of
seed is done by mainly registered seed companies or their
authorized agents. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
(KEPHIS) is the national seed certification authority. KEPHIS
seed certification is governed by the Seeds and Plant Varieties
Act (Cap 326) and other related legislations. Certification of
seed is a legal requirement in Kenya.
Kenya’s annual seed requirement varies from 24,000 to 35,000
metric tons, with annual seed sales averaging 30,000 to 37, 000
metric tons. Seed imports have been rising, from 4 % in 1999 to
22 % in 2005/06. By 2007 seed production was 44,000 metric tons
due to good weather and early harvest.
Formal Seed Sector
There are about 63 registered seed companies. The Seed Trade
Association of Kenya (STAK) covers about 90% of the Kenya’s
formal seed business, but provides only 20 % of total planting
materials. STAK members are registered producers, processors,
distributors or sellers.
Seed availability
Corn seed dominates (97 %) the formal seed sector but vegetable
seed is rapidly growing. Kenya Seed Company, a state
corporation, is the largest local seed company accounting for
almost 90 % of the formal seed sector (available for 2008
planting season).
Full report:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200803/146294121.pdf
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