More than 100 exhibitors showcased variety of indigenous seeds to educate Laikipia County residents on Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and promote sustainable food production.

The exhibitors drawn from around the country participated in the Fourth Indigenous Seeds and Food Harvest Fair 2025 that kicked off on Tuesday in the devolved unit.

This year’s theme was Collaborating to nurture indigenous seeds and food for better future, which focused on promoting partnerships between stakeholders to boost the accessibility and utilisation of indigenous seeds for sustainable food production and security in the country.

A Seeds Savers Network official Dominic Kimani, who was one of the exhibitors observed that the seed fair provided a unique opportunity to educate the public and the policy makers on the need to preserve traditional seeds and at the same address existing challenges in the sector.

“There is a challenge on conserving indigenous seeds and they are becoming extinct, it’s important to conserve them for a sustainable food security in the future. With the climate change, they will help cushion our society from hunger,” Kimani said.

He explained that indigenous seeds were drought and pests resistant, hence resilient in areas that receive scarce rainfall.

According to Intersectoral Forum on Agro-Biodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) Director Ann Maina, existing laws on indigenous seeds are punitive, including the seeds law. Ms Maina expressed concern that the seeds act undermines farmers’ indigenous knowledge, however, stakeholders and government had partnered to review it to ensure small scale farmers’ seeds are recognised since they play a critical role in feeding the nation.

“The challenges that farmers have had, they were seen as people who couldn’t conserve their seeds and exchange and we had a very punitive seed act. In partnership with other stakeholders, we have started reviewing it to favour the small scale farmers,” she pointed out.

Efforts to boost farmers seeds system have been limited by seed act of 2012 where those found sharing seed are fined up to Ksh1 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 to farmers, who will cut on production costs and enhance production.

“After the review of the seed act, it will be a relief, we will be able to consider seeds from farmers and prioritise them. Small-scale farmers have been feeding the nation for decades,” Maina said.

She further pointed out that this year will be a double win for small-scale farmers in 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 15 small-scale farmers who argue 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.

“We are seeking constitution interpretation over our seed act vis-à-vis our constitution. Our constitution protects our indigenous seeds and knowledge by prioritizing them,” she said.

The much anticipated ruling is expected to be delivered on November 27, 2025. Last year’s Indigenous Seeds and Food Harvest Fair was held in Nyando, Kisumu county, the others were in Nairobi county for two consecutive years.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mature Wangi