Turkana County Receives 51 Tonnes of Certified Seeds to Boost Food Production

The County Government of Turkana has received 51.269 metric tonnes of assorted certified seeds from the Kenya Seed Company to support both irrigation and rain-fed farmers as the rainy season gains momentum.

The consignment, valued at Sh6 million, was delivered following a request placed by the county government in the last week of March 2026. It aims to help farmers increase productivity and improve household food security in this arid region.

Prompt Delivery Impresses County Officials

While receiving the seeds, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation David Maraka thanked Kenya Seed Company for the timely supply under a government-to-government arrangement.

“We are impressed by the government-to-government arrangement that has enabled us to receive quality seeds in real time during the 2025/2026 financial year. This support will go a long way in assisting rain-fed farmers in Turkana East, Turkana South and Loima to increase productivity and food production,” said Maraka.

Maraka revealed that the department has proposed raising the budget allocation for seeds and farm tools to Sh40 million in the next financial year to further strengthen food security across the county.

Seeds to Benefit Over 10,000 Households

Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok said the targeted seed subsidy programme will reach more than 10,000 households, including over 6,000 female-headed households. The seeds are expected to support crop production on 5,458 acres this season, with potential to cultivate an additional 27,596.5 acres next year if budget allocations improve.

The assorted seeds include cereals such as maize varieties DH04 and DH02, and sorghum. Legumes comprise cowpeas, Kenkunde, green grams KS20, and beans (Kazuri variety). Green leafy vegetable seeds include tomato (Kibo Star F1, Nyota and Rio Grande), watermelon, sukuma wiki, squash butternut, black sucha, saga (spider plant), onion, and Swiss chard.

High-Quality Seeds for Quick Harvests

Kenya Seed Company Kitale Region Principal Sales Officer Margaret Maiyo acknowledged the strong collaboration with Turkana County, noting that the county is among 29 counties the company is supporting with seed supplies for food security.

Maiyo said the high-quality varieties supplied are expected to deliver good yields, with many crops ready for harvest within three months. This will enable farmers to supply produce to local markets and neighbouring counties.

She credited the improved road network for facilitating the timely delivery of the seeds. Maiyo was accompanied by Senior Sales Officer for Distribution and Export Tabitha Muchiri.

Broader Impact on Food Security

County officials present during the inspection included Deputy Director Administration Dorcas Ejore, County Crops Officer Bonface Okita, Accountant Pius Ekidor, and Procurement Officer Joel Tattoi.

The delivery comes at a critical time as rains begin in parts of Turkana. Officials expressed confidence that the certified seeds will help farmers achieve better harvests despite the county’s challenging climate, ultimately contributing to reduced hunger and improved livelihoods.

With the proposed budget increase, Turkana County hopes to expand such interventions and reach even more households in the coming seasons.