Relief for Farmers as Govt Orders Reduction in Maize Seed Prices

Farmers across the country are set to benefit after the government directed Kenya Seed Company to lower the cost of maize seeds under a new subsidy programme.

The move follows a presidential directive issued on March 19, 2026, aimed at easing the cost of farm inputs ahead of the planting season.

To support the initiative, the government has allocated Sh2 billion to facilitate the subsidy programme.

In a letter dated March 23, 2026, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, Kiprono Rono, instructed the Managing Director of Kenya Seed Company, Sammy Chepsiror, to implement the new prices with immediate effect.

Under the directive, a 1kg packet of maize seed will retail at Sh260, a 2kg packet at Sh525, a 10kg packet at Sh2,625, and a 25kg packet at Sh6,560.

“This directive takes effect immediately,” the letter stated.

The price reduction comes at a critical time when farmers are planting maize following the onset of the long rains.

The intervention also follows earlier concerns raised by farmers over delays in the distribution of subsidised fertiliser.