Nanyuki: More than 100 exhibitors have showcased a variety of indigenous seeds aimed to sensitize Laikipia county residents on Kenya's rich cultural heritage and promote sustainable food production. The exhibitors drawn across the country participated in the 4th indigenous seeds and food harvest fair 2025 that kicked off on Tuesday in the devolved unit.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year's theme is 'Collaborating to nurture indigenous seeds and food for better future,' focusing on promoting partnerships between stakeholders to boost the accessibility and utilization of indigenous seeds for sustainable food production and security in the country. Dominic Kimani, an official from Seeds Savers Network and one of the exhibitors, asserted that the seed fair provided a unique opportunity to sensitize the public and policymakers on the need to preserve traditional seeds and address existing challenges in the sector.
He explained that indigenous seeds were drought and pest-resistant, hence resilient in areas of low rainfall. According to Intersectoral Forum on Agro biodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) director, Ann Maina, existing laws on indigenous seeds were punitive, including the seed act. She revealed that the seeds acts undermined farmers' traditional knowledge; however, stakeholders and the government had partnered to review it to ensure small-scale farmers' seeds are recognized since they play a critical role in feeding the nation.
Efforts to boost farmers' seed systems have been limited by the seed act of 2012, where those found sharing seeds are fined up to Sh.1 million or two years in prison. However, no one has been charged since the act was assented to law. With the review expected to be completed before the end of this year, it will be a major breakthrough for farmers, who will cut on production costs and enhance production.
Ms. Maina further pointed out that this year it will be a double win for small-scale farmers across the country as they await the conclusion of a legal battle that will see them acquire seeds sovereignty after a four-year wait. The case was filed in 2022 by fifteen small-scale farmers who argued that the seed and Plant Variety Act of 2012 and the Seed Regulations of 2016 were undermining local farmers on indigenous seeds and cultural practices matters.
The much-anticipated ruling is expected to be on November 27, 2025. Last year's indigenous seeds and food harvest fair was held in Nyando, Kisumu county, with the others in Nairobi county for two consecutive years.