The County Government of Nakuru has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Simlaw Seeds Company Limited, to improve farmers’ access to certified, climate-adapted seed varieties.

The partnership aims to boost crop production, strengthen food security and improve household incomes across the County, by ensuring farmers have access to quality seeds, suited to Nakuru’s diverse agro-ecological conditions.

Nakuru County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Eng. Margaret Kinyanjui, said the collaboration was part of the county’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, by ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs that match their local growing conditions.

She said the availability of certified and climate-adapted seed varieties would enable farmers to make informed planting decisions, improve crop performance and maximise yields, noting that seed selection was a critical factor in determining the success of a farming season.

Eng. Kinyanjui observed that Nakuru’s varied ecological zones require different maize varieties capable of performing under specific climatic and soil conditions, adding that the partnership would help bridge the gap between farmers and reliable agricultural inputs.

She said the County was strengthening collaboration with private sector players to promote sustainable agriculture, improve food production and enhance the economic wellbeing of farming communities.

The Chief Officer noted that improved access to quality seeds was expected to contribute to increased maize production, strengthen household food security and support more resilient livelihoods among farmers.

Nakuru is one of Kenya’s key agricultural counties, with farming supporting household livelihoods, local markets and the wider economy.

However, farmers continue to face challenges, including unpredictable rainfall, rising production costs, pests and diseases, and low yields associated with the use of unsuitable or uncertified seeds.

Maize remains a major food crop for many households, making its productivity important to food availability and affordability.

Poor seed selection can lead to weak crop establishment, reduced yields and losses that affect both household consumption and income.

The collaboration with Simlaw Seeds is expected to help address some of these challenges by linking farmers to certified seed varieties developed for different growing conditions.

Climate-adapted seeds can improve crop resilience and enable farmers to make better use of available rainfall and other resources, although productivity will also depend on factors such as soil fertility, timely planting and appropriate crop management.

Simlaw Seeds Company Limited, is a leading agricultural enterprise engaged in the breeding, production, and distribution of certified seed lines.

Through its expansive seed catalogue and agricultural advisory services, the Organization supports sustainable crop production, by offering farmers tailored options suited to diverse growing environments.

The County Government of Nakuru continues to implement multi-faceted interventions aimed at empowering local farmers and strengthening agricultural output, including the deployment of extension services, comprehensive technical training, modern farming demonstrations, and strategic private sector linkages.

This institutional framework, seeks to expand farmer knowledge, accelerate the adoption of modern agricultural technology, and build resilience against climate variability.

Enhancing seamless access to certified inputs remains a central pillar of these efforts to raise farm productivity and improve rural livelihoods across the sector.

The signed agreement is anticipated to deliver direct benefits to farmers by streamlining access to location-appropriate maize seeds, boosting crop vigor, and mitigating the production risks linked to uncertified seeds.

By forging a tight connection between farmers, County authorities, and private seed developers, the joint initiative, is set to drive higher maize yields, bolster household food reserves, and raise farm incomes, ultimately advancing Nakuru’s broader strategic mandate for sustainable agricultural development and food sovereignty.

By Caroline Nyakio and Jane Ngugi