The Ministry of Agriculture has revealed new subsidized prices for maize seeds ahead of the upcoming planting season.
In a letter to Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror, Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh confirmed that the government has allocated Ksh 2 billion to support the maize seed subsidy programme.
Under the directive, Kenya Seed Company is required to lower the prices of maize seeds to ensure affordability for farmers.
Kenya Government Sets Maize Seed Prices Ahead of 2026 Planting Season. Photo: Courtesy.
The revised rates are Ksh 260 for a 1kg packet, Ksh 525 for 2kg, Ksh 2,625 for 10kg, and Ksh 6,560 for a 25kg bag.
This comes days after the announcement of a major breakthrough in trade relations with China that is expected to boost Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The development followed bilateral trade engagements between Kenya and China after President William Ruto’s state visit.
According to the ministry, duty-free access for Kenyan agricultural exports to China will officially begin on May 1, 2026, covering a wide range of commodities and creating new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
Following high-level discussions with the Chinese diplomatic mission in Nairobi, Kenya has secured duty-free access to China for major agricultural exports, including tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, flowers, and other horticultural products.
The ministry noted that the policy gives Kenyan farmers and agribusinesses direct entry to China’s market of over 1.4 billion consumers, enhancing competitiveness and trade potential.
In 2025, Kenya exported coffee and tea worth USD 24.46 million and avocados and macadamia nuts valued at USD 19.9 million to China.
The Ministry of Agriculture encourages exporters to increase production, focus on processed goods, and collaborate with Chinese partners to grow local agro-processing industries and create jobs.
