Seed scientists and innovators may not have to wait for up to four years for new climate-resilient seed varieties to be approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The need for different and hardy seeds is urgent. A proposed law would introduce an alternative registration process for certification by Kebs.
The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, would establish a faster parallel seed certification system.
The Bill, which was introduced for first reading in the Senate, proposes a standards-based seed registration system. It would end delays in the current approval process overseen by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis).
Olekina said the Kephis-run system is riddled with inefficiencies, often taking as long as four years to register a single seed variety.
This long-drawn-out process, he says, has hindered timely access to improved, hardy, climate-resilient seed varieties.
“There is established a standards-based seed registration system to be administered by the bureau for approval and registration of seed varieties that meet minimum quality standards,” the Bill reads.
The new system would operate independent of, but parallel to the existing Kephis framework, offering seed developers a choice between the two processes.
“This amendment seeks to address the inefficiencies in the current seed approval process, which has led to significant delays — averaging four years — and hindered farmers’ access to quality and climate-resilient seed varieties,” the Bill reads.
Olekina says the amendment will foster innovation, enhance regulatory flexibility, and support development of a more efficient, affordable and climate-smart agricultural sector.
If enacted, the legislation would not only improve farmers’ access to high-quality seeds but also strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
Under the proposed law, anyone intending to register a seed variety through the new Kebs system must apply. The applicant must provide technical data demonstrating compliance with minimum germination and purity standards.
They must provide proof of the absence of noxious weeds and evidence of freedom from seed-borne diseases.
They must also prove the applying entity is a seed merchant registered with Kephis.
They must provide a physical sample of the variety seeking registration. That sample shall serve as a generic reference sample for the second variety.
Upon receipt of an application, Kebs shall within six months examine the application to assess compliance with the prescribed minimum quality standards.
Kebs shall verify that the new variety is genetically distinct from any currently registered variety.
The bureau can either reject or approve the variety.
If the bureau approves an application, it shall register the seed variety and issue a certificate of registration to the applicant. The certificate shall be valid for five years.
The Bill reads that seed varieties that qualify for registration are proven to be climate-resilient and intended for rapid distribution in response to environmental challenges.
Seed varieties that have already been tested and have sufficient evidence of compliance with set standards shall also qualify for registration.
Others are sending varieties developed for low-risk, low-sensitivity niche markets, including those for urban farming and specialised crops that do not require extensive agro-ecological trials.
The Bill lists 19 crop varieties eligible for the standards-based seed registration system.
They include Sudan grass, pigeon peas, cereal rye, oats, lupins, chickpeas, barley, canola, linseed, grain sorghum, wheat and fava/broad beans.
Others are millets, dry/common/French beans/green beans, lab tab, sunflowers, mung beans, and Rhodes grass.
Instant analysis
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) is mandated to certify seed varieties. It is responsible for ensuring the quality and health of seeds, as well as plant health in general. This includes overseeing the release of new varieties, conducting performance trials, and enforcing seed certification standards.
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