By Monica Nashon
Farmers across the country are being urged to take a frontline role in combating counterfeit seeds through a new national promotion campaign that rewards them for purchasing certified products.
Speaking in Kisii during the launch of the national “Pick-Up” promotion campaign, Bayer East Africa Managing Director John Kanyingi said the initiative is designed to encourage farmers to verify seed authenticity by scratching stickers issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) affixed to seed bags.
Kanyingi said the campaign seeks both to curb the circulation of fake seeds and to recognize farmers’ central role in safeguarding national food security.
“We are encouraging farmers to scratch the KEPHIS stickers on the seed bags to confirm authenticity. In doing so, they participate in the fight against counterfeit products and also stand a chance to win prizes, including pick-up trucks and other farming equipment displayed here,” he said.
He warned that counterfeit seeds pose a significant economic threat, noting that many farmers invest heavily in seeds that ultimately fail to deliver expected yields.
“When a farmer buys seed that does not perform, it translates into lower productivity and financial loss. Genuine certified seeds guarantee high germination rates and optimal performance,” Kanyingi added.
He explained that in the past, farmers often planted up to four seeds in one hole to increase the chances of germination.
However, he said certified hybrid seeds now offer near-perfect germination rates when planted correctly.
“There is no need to plant multiple seeds just to increase chances of survival. With genuine seed, one seed per hole is enough and farmers can be confident it will germinate and form a healthy crop,” he said.
Kanyingi underscored the importance of small-scale farmers, noting they account for the bulk of maize production in Kenya and across the region.
“Maize is the staple food in Kenya and across many African countries. About 99 percent of maize production is done by small-scale farmers. There can never be food security without them,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, South Rift and Nyanza District Manager Calvin Mosoti said the company has strengthened partnerships with distributors across about 10 counties—from Nakuru to Siaya—to expand farmers’ access to improved seed varieties and modern agricultural technologies.
“In the face of climate change and global warming, we are leading in developing varieties that can withstand harsh conditions. We have seeds that are drought-tolerant and resistant to major crop diseases,” Mosoti said.
He added that closer collaboration with distributors is ensuring high-quality seed technology reaches farmers at the grassroots level.
Farmers who have adopted certified hybrid varieties shared testimonies of improved yields and livelihoods.
Nyabuto, a farmer from Itumbe, said access to improved seeds and fertilizers has raised his optimism for better harvests this season.
Similarly, Catherine Kemunto, a farmer and field service coordinator in Bobasi, said planting hybrid maize varieties has transformed her family’s welfare.
“Since I started planting these varieties, I have seen great changes. Hunger is no longer a problem in my family. I am able to pay school fees and meet household bills through maize farming,” she said.