Members of the National Assembly have raised concern over the circulation of counterfeit seeds, warning that farmers risk fresh losses as the planting season approaches.
The Agriculture and Livestock Committee, chaired by Brighton Yegon, put officials from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on the spot over what legislators termed weak enforcement against fake seed dealers.
Lawmakers said last year many farmers unknowingly purchased substandard seeds, resulting in poor harvests and financial setbacks. Nominated MP Sabina Chege urged the agency to deploy more field inspectors to agrovets and open-air markets, where most farmers buy farm inputs.
MP John Makali questioned how KEPHIS guarantees access to certified maize seeds ahead of the planting window.
In response, KEPHIS officials said they conduct random inspections, certify seed batches and collaborate with police to arrest counterfeit traders. They also sensitise farmers on verifying genuine seeds using scratch cards linked to official verification numbers.
However, the committee maintained that enforcement must go beyond border controls and be visible at the grassroots.
The session also saw the Agriculture and Food Authority and the Kenya Veterinary and Vaccine Production Institute appear before MPs to outline budget priorities for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
The committee is expected to submit its Budget Policy Statement report to the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
