Kenyan farmers call for abolishment of seed distribution law to boost food security amid climate crisis

“No one told me what seeds to plant, and no one controlled who I could give, sell, or trade seeds with,” she reminisces. “That freedom is now gone, and it’s truly disheartening.”

Gladys believes that the commercialization of seeds has eroded the value of indigenous agriculture, turning the seed trade into a lucrative business for the wealthy while leaving small-scale farmers struggling to survive.

On October 16, the world observed World Food Day, but many Kenyan farmers feel there is little to celebrate. They argue that restrictive policies are undermining their efforts to boost food production, benefiting large-scale agribusinesses, often backed by foreign interests, at the expense of local farmers.

“In Kenya, punitive seed laws restrict farmers from saving and sharing their own seeds—a basic right that has preserved agricultural biodiversity for generations,” says Elizabeth Atieno, a food campaigner with Greenpeace.

Kenya’s Seed and Plant Varieties Act prohibits the sale of uncertified seeds, effectively sidelining indigenous varieties. Those caught selling unlicensed seeds risk a fine of up to Ksh. 1 million or a jail term of up to two years.

Global Forces Driving Food Insecurity in Africa

Professor Fadhel Kaboub, Senior Advisor at Power Shift Africa, argues that Africa’s food sovereignty has been deliberately eroded to benefit others.

“Africa’s food sovereignty has been in decline since the 1960s due to agricultural subsidies and trade barriers imposed by the Global North,” Kaboub explains. “We’ve neglected staple crops like wheat, maize, barley, and rice—essential to our diets—and shifted focus to export cash crops like coffee, tea, tobacco, cocoa, and fruits."

“In essence, Africa produces what it doesn’t consume and consumes what it doesn’t produce. This dynamic fuels food insecurity, external debt, and environmental degradation.”

Kaboub emphasizes that policy reforms are essential to prevent profit-driven barriers from keeping Kenyans hungry. He urges citizens and policymakers to prioritize food sovereignty through agroecology and native seed systems.

“Africa needs strategic investments in agroecology at all levels—continental, regional, national, and local. By reintroducing native seeds better suited to our climate, we can reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and extensive irrigation systems."

“Native crops tend to be more resilient to droughts and extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change,” he adds.

Kenya’s Role in the Global Hunger Crisis

Kenyans are among the over 700 million people globally facing hunger, according to United Nations data. World Food Day, observed annually, aims to raise awareness about hunger and promote sustainable food security. This year’s theme is “Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.”

For farmers like Gladys Kanegene, the call to restore their right to save, share, and trade indigenous seeds is about more than just agriculture—it’s a step toward reclaiming Kenya’s food sovereignty and ensuring a more secure future.