Plant Varieties (amendment) Bill, 2025 (senate Bills No. 4 Of 2025)

Clerk's Chambers,

The Senate,

FirstFloor,ParliamentBuildings,

NAIROBI.

THE SENATE

PAPERS LAID

Q103/2026

AmnTNt

Cteror

DATE

COMMITTEE

CLERK.ATTHE TABLE

STANDINGCOMMITTEEONAGRICULTURE,LIVESTOCKAND FISHERIES

2025(SENATEBILLSNO.4OF2025)

Rt. Hon. Speaker You may approve for tabling J. M. Nyegenye, C.B.S.. Clerk of the senate/sccretary PSC Date.....

THE SEN RECEDVEL

March, 2026

TABLEOFCONTENTS

| TABLEOFCONTENTS. | | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----| | LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS | | | ESTABLISHMENTANDMANDATEOFTHECOMMITTEE | | | MEMBERSHIPOFTHECOMMITTEE | 5 | | CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD | | | CHAPTERONE:. | 8 | | INTRODUCTION | 8 | | 1.1.Background | 8 | | 1.2. Objects of the Bill | 8 | | 1.3.Situational Analysis on the Seed Sector inKenya.. | 9 | | 1.4.LegalFramework on theSeed Sector. | .10 | | 1.5.Institutional Framework. | 10 | | 1.6. Overview of the Bill | .12 | | CHAPTER TWO:. PUBLICPARTICIPATIONANDSTAKEHOLDERSUBMISSIONS | .12 | | | .12 | | 2.1. Overview of Public Participation. 2.2.Summary of submissions fromStakeholders and Committee Resolution | .12 | | | .15 | | 2.3.General Comments. | .15 | | 2.4. Specific Prayers to the Committee .. CHAPTERTHREE: | 16 | | COMMITTEEOBSERVATIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONS | 16 | | | .16 | | 3.1.Committee Observations | | | 3.2.Committee Recommendations | 17 | | LISTOFAPPENDICES | |

.18

LISTOFABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

ADC:-

Agricultural Development Corporation

BIBA-K:

Biodiversity andBiosafetyAssociation of Kenya

EAC:

East African Community

FAO:

Food and Agriculture Organization

KEBS:

Kenya Bureau of Standards

KEPHIS:

KenyaPlantHealthInspectorateService

LRFSN:

Lake Region Food Systems Network

PBAK:

Plant Breeders Association of Kenya

UPOV:

International Unionfor theProtection of NewVarieties of Plants

ISTA:

International Seed Testing Association

OECD:

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

DUS:

Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability

NPT:

National Performance Trials

ASAL:

Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

ESTABLISHMENTANDMANDATEOFTHECOMMITTEE

The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is established under standing order 228(3) ofthe Senate Standing Orders and is mandated to consider all matters relating to agriculture, irrigation, livestock, fisheries development and veterinary services.

In undertaking its mandate, the Committee oversees the following State Departments-

1. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development;

• i. The State Department for Crops Development; and

3. ii.The State Department for Livestock Development. 2. Ministry of Sanitation, Water and Irrigation;

• i. State Department for Irrigation.

3. Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Fisheries;

• i. State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries.

8. 4.The Committee also oversees the following State Agencies among others-

• i. Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA);
• ii. Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC);
• iii. Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC);
• iv. Kenya Seed Company (KsC);

13. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS); V.

• vi. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO);
• vii. Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Board (KVVPB);
• viii. Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB);

ix.

Kenya Meat Commission (KMC);

• X. Kenya Dairy Board (KDB);
• xi. Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC);
• xii. Kenya Fisheries Service (KFS);
• xiii. Kenya Fish Marketing Authority (KFMA);

5. Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI); xiv. 6. xV. Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation; and

• xvi. National Irrigation Board (NIB).

The Committee also works closely with the Council of Governors (CoG), and the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) and non-state actors including among others-

1. Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); 2. Agricultural Council of Kenya (AgCK); 3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); 4. Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF);

MEMBERSHIPOFTHECOMMITTEE

• 1.Sen.David Wafula Wakoli,MP

• -Chairperson

2. Sen. Alexander Munyi Mundigi, MP

• -Vice-Chairperson

3. Sen. Moses Otieno Kajwang', CBS, MP

-Member

4. Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, MP

• -Members

5. Sen. Mwenda Gataya (Mo Fire), CBS, MP

-Member

• 6.Sen.SheikhMohamed Abbas,CBS,MP

• -Member

7. Sen. Catherine Muma, MP

• -Member

8. Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC MP

• -Member

• 9.Sen.Hezena Lemaletin,MP

• -Member

5. Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI); and 6. Agricultural Industry Forum (AIF).

Honourable Speaker,

The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025) was published vide Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 66 on 9th May, 2025. It was introduced in the Senate by way of First Reading on Wednesday, 9th July, 2025, and subsequently stood committed to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries pursuant to Standing Order 145.

Honourable Speaker,

TheSeeds and Plant Varieties(Amendment)Bill,2025(Senate Bills No.4of 2025) seeks to amend the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326) to introduce a standards-based seed registration system administered by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). This system is InspectorateService (KEPHIS).

The Bill aims to address delays in seed approval, promote innovation, and enhance farmers' accesstoclimate-resilientandhigh-yieldseedvarieties.

Honourable Speaker,

In line with Article 118 of the Constitution and Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries proceeded to undertake public participation on the Bill. In this regard, the Committee published an advertisement in the Daily Nation and Standard newspapers on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, inviting members of the public to submit written memoranda to the Committee on the Bill for consideration.

Having conducted public participation, the committee noted that the Bill generated significant debate among stakeholders, particularly regarding the proposed dual regulatory system and the potential for institutional overlap. An overview of the submissions is set out at Chapter Two of this report, while the detailed observations and recommendations are set out at Chapter Three of this Report.

This report presents the findings of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries following extensive public participation and stakeholder consultations. It reflects the diverse views of farmers, seed merchants, research institutions, civil society, and government agencies.

CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD

Honourable Speaker,

The recommendation of the Committee is that the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025) should not be proceeded with. In this regard is that the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) be further strengthened to continue performing its mandate as the national seed certification authority. KEPHIS possesses the requisite technical expertise, infrastructure, and international accreditation, representing Kenya in global platforms such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) seed schemes.

The Committee further recommends that any reform to the seed regulatory framework must safeguard Kenya's international obligations, avoid institutional overlap and uphold the scientific integrity of agroecological trials, including Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing and National Performance Trials (NPTs), which are essential for ensuring seed quality and suitability across diverse farming zones.

Honourable Speaker,

The Committee acknowledges the efforts of all stakeholders who submitted memoranda. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping the Committee's observations and recommendations.

I also wish to thank the offices ofthe Speaker and the Clerk ofthe Senate for the support extended to the Committee in undertaking this important assignment.

Lastly, I take this opportunity to commend the Members of the Committee for their devotion and commitment to duty, which made the consideration of the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025) successful.

Honourable Speaker, it is now my pleasant duty, pursuant to standing order 148(l) of the Senate Standing Orders, to present the Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025).

Signed

Sen. David Wafula Wakoli, CBS, M.P,

Chairperson,

Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Date:13thMarch,2026

1.1.Background

The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, 9th May 2025 and read for the first time in the Senate on Wednesday, 15th May 2025. The Bill was subsequently committed to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries for consideration.

1.2. Objects of theBill

The principal object of the Bill is to amend the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act to introduce a standards-based seed registration system to be administered by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). This system is intended to operate alongside the existing certification system managed by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).

The Bill proposes the insertion of new sections 10A, 10B, and 10C into the principal Act, establishing the legal framework for the parallel registration system. It also amends Section 11 on seed testing stations and introduces a new Seventh Schedule listing crop varieties eligible for the standards-based system.

The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Ledama Ole Kina, who argues that the current seed certification process is slow, averaging four years, and hinders farmers' access to improved seed varieties. The proposed system is expected to reduce approval timelines to 60 days for eligible varieties.

1.3.Situational Analysis on the Seed Sector inKenya

Kenya's seed sector is critical to national food security, economic growth, and agricultural transformation. The sector supports over 75% of the population directly or indirectly and contributes significantly to the country's GDP.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has been the sole statutory body responsible for seed certification, plant variety protection, and phytosanitary regulation sinceitsestablishment in1996.It isaccreditedtointernationalbodiessuchas the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the Organisation for Economic Co. operation and Development (OECD). The current process is regulated by KEPHIS under the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap 326), involves the following steps:

CHAPTERONE:

INTRODUCTION

• a) Seed Merchant Registration - Individuals or institutions must register as seed merchants, growers, or sellers by meeting specific requirements, such as land ownership, storage facilities, and technical expertise.
• b) Field Inspection - Registered seed merchants must have their fields inspected to verify the origin and purity of seed crops, ensure compliance with isolation distance requirements, and check for disease-free status.
• c) Seed Processing - Harvested seed crops undergo processing to remove impurities, grade seed sizes, and apply protective treatments.
• d) Seed Testing - LaboratOry tests are conducted to assess purity, germination rate, moisture content, and seed-borne diseases.

5. Labelling and Sealing - Once a seed lot meets the required standards, it is e) labelled and sealed to prevent tampering or contamination. 6. Follow-up tests verify that the seed's characteristics f) )Post-Control Tests -] remain unchanged throughout multiplication. 7. Post-Certification Monitoring - KEPHIS conducts market and field surveys to g ensure certified seed quality is maintained until planting time, addressing any complaints about low-quality seeds.

1.4. Legal Framework on the Seed Sector

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010: Articles 11, 43 and 69 recognize the right to food, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of indigenous knowledge. These provisions are central to the debate on seed sOvereignty and farmers' rights.

Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326): This is the principal legislation governing seed certification, plant variety protection, and seed trade in Kenya. It designates KEPHIS as the lead agency in seed regulation .

The Standards Act (Cap. 496): Establishes the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and mandates it to develop and enforce standards for goods and services, including agricultural inputs.

The Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013: Creates the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and outlines the roles of various agencies in the agricultural sector.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Act, 2012: Establishes KEPHIS as the plant variety protection. The Act mandates KEPHIS to regulate matters related to seeds, plant varieties, and phytosanitary measures; enforce sanitary and food safety standards;

conduct seed testing and certification; administer plant breeders' rights; and inspect agricultural imports and exports. It empowers KEPHIS to advise the government on seed and plant health issues, operate service laboratories, and ensure compliance with international standardsfor agricultural produce.

International Agreements: Kenya is a signatory to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UPOV Convention, all of whichinfluence national seed laws andpolicies.

1.5.InstitutionalFramework

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS): Responsible for seed certification, plant variety protection, phytosanitary measures, and quality assurance of planting materials.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS): Mandated to develop and enforce standards for all goods and services, including seeds. KEBS has existing technical committees on seed standards.

distribution.

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO): Conducts research on new seed varieties and agronomic practices.

Plant Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK): Represents the interests of plant breeders and advocates for intellectual property protection.

Council of Governors (CoG): Represents County governments, which are responsible for agricultural extension services and local seed systems.

1.6.OverviewoftheBill

Clause 2 of the Bill amends the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326) (the principal Act) by introducing new definitions. It introduces two key definitions, namely "Bureau" defined as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and "standards-based seed registration system," which is established under the newly proposed section 10A. These definitions set the foundation for a standards-based seed registration system administered by KEBS.

Clause 3 of the Bill proposes new sections 10A, 10B, and 10C, which establish and regulate the standards-based seed registration system. The proposed section 10A

establishes a standards-based seed registration system to be administered by the Kenya Bureau ofStandards (KEBS). This system is designed to approve and register seed varieties that meet the minimum quality standards prescribed under the Act.

The proposed section 10B provides the application process for seed registration, requiring applicants to submit technical data demonstrating compliance with germination and purity standards,proof of the absence of noxious weeds and seed-borne diseases,proof of registration as a seed merchant, and a physical sample of the variety. KEBS is required to review and respond to applications within sixty days, after which it may either approve or reject the application. Once approved, the applicant is issued a certificate of registration valid forfiveyears,renewable upon application.

The proposed section 10C outlines the eligibility criteria for seed varieties that qualify for the standards-based registration system, prioritizing climate-resilient varieties, seeds with prior testing, and niche-market seed varieties that do not require extensive agro-ecological trials.The CabinetSecretaryis alsogranted the authoritytoupdatethelistof eligible crops and establish regulations governing application procedures, quality standards, and postmarketmonitoring.

Clause 4 of the Bill proposes to amend section 11 of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326) by deleting the existing provision and replacing it with a new provision which requires the Service, in consultation with county governments, to establish and maintain official seed testing stations in necessary locations.

Clause 5 of the Bill introduces a Seventh Schedule under the proposed section 10C of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326), listing crop varieties eligible for the standardsbased seed registration system. These include Sudan grass, pigeon peas, cereal rye, oats, lupins, chickpeas, barley, canola, linseed, grain sorghum, wheat, fava/broad beans, millets, dry/common/French beans/green beans, lab lab bean, sunflowers, mung beans, Rhodes grass,andpeas.

CHAPTERTWO:

PUBLICPARTICIPATIONANDSTAKEHOLDERSUBMISSIONS

2.1. Overview of Public Participation

The Committee conducted public participation between 1st June and 15th June 2025, invitingwrittenand oral submissionsfrom stakeholders.Advertisementswereplaced in the Daily Nation and Standard newspapers on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, and notices were posted on the Parliament website and social media platforms.

TheCommitteereceivedsubmissionsfromseveralstakeholders,includinggovernment agencies, seed companies, farmers' associations, research institutions, civil society organizations, and individual farmers.

2.2.Summary of submissions fromStakeholders and Committee Resolution

Clause3:InsertionofNewSections10A,10B,and10C

Ministry of Agriculture (KEPHIS): Rejected the establishment of a standards-based seed registrationsystemunderKEBS.Argued that seed standards arebetter handledbyKEPHIS due to its technical expertise, international accreditation, and existing legal mandate. Noted jurisdictional ambiguity sinceKEBSfalls under the Ministry of Trade while the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act is administered under Agriculture.

KEBS: Supported the Bill and proposed amendments to designate KEBS as a lead agency for seed quality standards. Sought expanded post-market monitoring powers, including unannounced inspections and penalties.

Plant Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK): Opposed the Bill, citing regulatory confusion, increased costs, and scientific impracticality of a 60-day approval limit. Called for retentionof field-based DUS andNPT trials.

Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK): Opposed the transfer of seed registration and certification functions to KEBS, noting that KEPHIS already holds the legal and technical mandate under Cap. 326. Highlighted risks of duplication, inefficiency, and conficting decisions if KEBS were introduced as a parallel regulator. Recommended streamlining KEPHIS's approval timelines, upgrading its online certification systems, and expanding crop eligibility under the standards-based pathway while retaining rigorous NPT and DUS testingfor hybrids and high-value crops.

Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC): Recommended retaining KEPHIS as sole certifier, citing its long-standing technical expertise and international alignment. Supported automation and accreditation of privateinspectorsunderKEPHIS.

Lake Region Food Systems Network (LRFSN): Opposed KEBS involvement, affirming KEPHIS's technical infrastructure and field capacity.

Interplant Agriculture Ltd / Spice World Ltd / Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd: Supported KEBS but called for deletion of Section 10C (3), citing confusion over oversight roles.

Amka Africa Justice Initiative (with partners): Rejected KEBS-administered registration, citing duplication, lack of capacity, and unrealistic timelines.

BIO Food Products Ltd: Supported KEBS system but called for clarity, inclusion of hybrid/exportvarieties,and publicparticipation.

Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA-K): Rejected the entire Bill and calledfor a comprehensivereview of theparentAct.Raised concerns aboutinstitutional conflict and vague terminology.

ShomoroFarmSuppliesLtd /p.namuma:Calledfor deletionof Section10C(3) and retention ofKEPHIS as certifier.

Council of Governors: Opposed parallel certification; urged retention of KEPHIS as sole authority.

Western Seed Company Ltd: Proposed KEBS oversight of standard seed quality and onlinepublicationof descriptors.

Margaret Otaro Osogo: Rejected Clause 3, citing discriminatory framework in the parent Act.

Pure Seeds E.A Ltd: Proposed amendment to Clause 10B(2)(c) to align registration with KEBS, but also suggested repeal of Clause 3 and retention of KEPHIS as certifier.

Nature Kenya: Proposed proof of non-invasiveness and assignment of registration system to KEPHIS.

Committee Resolution (Clause 3): The Committee acknowledged all submissions and resolved that KEPHIS retains the mandate of seed certification under Cap. 326.

Kenya's credibility, farmers' interests, and compliance with ISTA, OECD Seed Schemes, andIPPC.

Clause 4:Amendment of Section 11 onSeed TestingStations

KEPHIS: Noted that seed testing labs have already been established in Nakuru and Kitale and five others accredited. Existing legislation is adequate.

Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK):Recommended allowing independent ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories to complement county seed testing stations. Argued that such independent labs would enhance capacity, credibility, and international competitiveness, while avoiding duplication of roles and ensuring alignment with global standards.

Western Seed Company Ltd: Proposed limiting county government roles to farmer training and extension to avoid duplication.

Pure Seeds E.A Ltd: Recommended KEBS create a digital seed register at county and nationallevels.

Committee Resolution (Clause 4): The Committee accepted KEPHIS's and Western Seed's proposals, affirming that seed testing stations are already provided for under the Act and best managed administratively. The Committee rejected Pure Seeds' proposal, finding that certification and verification functions remain with KEPHIS.

Clause5:InsertionofNewScheduleSeven

Shomoro Farm Supplies Ltd: Proposed inclusion of hybrid maize under the standards-based system.

Pure Seeds E.A Ltd: Recommended expanding the list to include fodder crops such as Napier grass, Brachiaria, and Lucerne.

Western Seed Company Ltd: Proposed inclusion of maize.

Lake Region Food Systems Network (LRFSN): Called for participatory review to include traditional and indigenous crops.

Interplant Agriculture Ltd: Proposed additions of pasture grasses, legumes, and cover crops.

Committee Resolution (Clause 5): The Committee rejected all proposals, consistent with its Clause 3 decision. Certification and registration processes shall continue to be

Report on the Seeds and Crop Varieties (Amendment) Bill,2025 (SenateBills No.4 of 2025 14

administered solely by KEPHIS, with efficiency gains pursued through strengthening its existing capacity.

2.3. General Comments

Ministry of Agriculture: Disputed the Bill's claim of inefficiencies in the current seed approval process, noting that recent evaluations show an average release time of two years, withsomevarietiesreleasedwithinoneyear.

KEBS:Asserted thatithasthecapacity toimplementtheBill subjectto thedevelopment of supporting regulations and collaboration with KEPHIS.

SeedTradeAssociation ofKenya(STAK):Emphasized theimportanceof aligning reforms with Kenya's international trade obligations, particularly the WTO Agreement of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), and safeguarding access to both domestic and export seed markets. Called for robust public participation under Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution to ensure that regulatory changes reflect the realities of the seed sector.

Nature Kenya: Called for exemptions for indigenous seed varieties and measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Jones Kyalo & Others: Raised constitutional objections, arguing that the Bill undermines farmers'rights andindigenousseedsystems.

Grace F. Simba: Urged the Senate to uphold constitutional protections for indigenous knowledge and farmers' rights, warning against privileging commercial breeders under UPOV 1991.

2.4.SpecificPrayers to the Committee

BIBA-K: Called for the rejection of the Bill and a comprehensive review of the parent Act.

PBAK: Recommended aligning the Bill with regional seed policy frameworks to avoid creating parallel systems.

ADC: Urged the Senate to strengthen KEPHIS's capacity rather than introducing a dual system.

Farmers' Representatives: Requested the inclusion of a farmer compensation clause and grievance redress mechanisms.

CHAPTERTHREE:

COMMITTEEOBSERVATIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONS

3.1.CommitteeObservations

The Committee makes the following key observations:

1. KEPHIS vs KEBS Capacity and Mandate

The Committee notes that KEPHIS is the legally designated and internationally accredited authority for seed certification in Kenya. It has built technical capacity over decades, including laboratories, field stations, and trained personnel for conducting Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing and National Performance Trials (NPTs). KEBS, while competent in standards development, lacks the specialized infrastructure and international recognition required for seed certification. Introducing a parallel system under KEBS risks regulatory duplication, institutional conflict, and confusion among seed developers and farmers.

The Committee alsonotes thatinKEBSsubmissions to the Committee,theyindicated a willingness to take on an expanded role in seed regulation,including post-market monitoring.However,KEBS alsoacknowledged that it would require resourcesand capacity building to effectively perform the mandates. This admission reinforces stakeholder concerns that KEBS currently lacks the technical capacity, field presence, and international accreditation necessary for seed certification. The Committee finds that assigning regulatory functions to an institution that has itself acknowledged capacity gaps would be premature and potentially disruptive to the sector.

2. International Obligations and Market Access

The Committee notes that KEPHIS represents Kenya in key international platforms such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) seed schemes,and theInternational PlantProtection Convention (IPPC). These affiliations are essential for Kenya's compliance with global phytosanitary standards and for facilitating seed exports. The Bill does not adequately address howKEBSwould assume or maintain theseinternational roles,raising concerns about Kenya's continued access to regulated markets and its credibility in global seed trade.

3. Scientific Integrity of Agroecological Trials

The Committee notes that the proposal to reduce the seed variety approval timeline to 60 days was widely criticized as scientifically untenable. Agroecological trials, particularly DUS and NPTs, require multiple seasons and diverse ecological zones to generate reliable data.Compressing these timelines undermines the scientificrigor oftheprocess could lead to the release of poorly adapted or low-performing varieties, ultimately harming farmers and food security. Stakeholders emphasized that efficiency should be pursued through capacity strengthening, not by compromising trial integrity.

A case in point is the performance of hybrid maize varieties such as H614 and H6213, which thrive in high-rainfall regions like Kitale but consistently fail in semi-arid areas like Kitui due to drought stress and shorter growing seasons. These failures are not due to poor breeding but to ecological mismatch, something that only rigorous agroecological trials candetectandprevent.

4.SeedReleaseTimelines

The Committeeobservesthatconcernswereraisedregarding thedurationit takestorelease climate-resilient seed varieties under the current certification framework.However, data provided by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) indicates that the average timeline for seed variety release is approximately two years, contrary to the cited estimate of four years.

5.IndigenousSeeds and CommunitySeedSystems

The Committee notes the strong submissions from stakeholders calling for explicit recognition and protection of indigenous and community seed systems. These submissions emphasized constitutional provisions under Articles 11, 40, 43,and 69, which safeguard cultural heritage, biodiversity, and the right to food. Concerns were raised that the Bill, by privileging commercial certification pathways, may risk marginalizing farmer-led breeding, traditional seed exchange, and indigenous knowledge systems. The Committee observes that this matter is currently the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings.

3.2.CommitteeRecommendations

Havingconsidered theSeeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SenateBills No. 4 of 2025) and the submissions received thereon, the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestockand Fisheriesrecommends totheSenatethattheBillbenotbeproceededwith.

LISTOFAPPENDICES

Appendix 1: Minutes of the Committee Meetings;

Appendix 2: The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025;

Appendix 3: Public Participation Advertisements;

Appendix 4: Stakeholder Submissions Matrix;

Appendix 5: Proposed Amendments to the Bill; and

Appendix 6: Copies of Stakeholder Submissions

MINUTESOFTHEONEHUNDREDANDSEVENTYSEVENTHMEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCKANDFISHERIES,HELD ON THURSDAY,7THAUGUST2025IN

PRESENT

• 1.Sen.DavidWafulaWakoli,MP

Chairperson

• 2.Sen.Alexander Munyi Mundigi, MP

Vice-Chairperson

3. Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, MP

Member

4. Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC MP

• Member

ABSENTWITHAPOLOGIES

| 1. Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP | Member | |-----------------------------------------|----------| | 2. Sen. Moses Kajwang', CBS, MP | Member | | 3. Sen.Abbas Sheikh, CBS, MP | Member | | 4. Sen. Hezena Lemaletian, MP | Member | | 5.Sen. Mwenda Gataya (Mo Fire), CBS, MP | Member |

SECRETARIAT

| 1.Mr. Peter Mulesi | Clerk Assistant I | |--------------------------|------------------------| | 2. Ms. Caroline Njue | Clerk Assistant II | | 3. Mr. Hillary Cheruiyot | Research Officer III | | 4. Ms.Faith Cheruto | Legal Counsel | | 5.Ms.Winnie Atieno | Audio Officer | | 6.Ms.JulietMasinde | MediaRelations Officer | | 7.Ms.SarahRukwaro | SAA |

MIN/SEN/SCA/1170/2025

PRELIMINARIES

The meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m. followed by a word of prayer and introductions.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1171/2025ADOPTIONOFTHEAGENDA

The agenda was adopted after being proposed by Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, MP and secondedbyAlexanderMundigi,MPasfollows-

1. Prayer; 2. Adoption of the Agenda; 3. 3.Confirmation of the Minutes of the One Hundred and Seventy Sixth sitting held Thursday, 4th August, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 4. Matters arising; 5. 5.Stakeholder Engagement on the Plants and Seed Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 1 of 2025) (Committee Paper No. 135); 6. Any Other Business; and 7. 7.Date of the Next Meeting and Adjournment.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1172/2025CONFIRMATIONOFMINUTESOFTHE PREVIOUSSITTING

The Minutes of the One Hundred and Seventy Sixth sitting held on Thursday, 31st July, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. were confirmed as a true record of the proceedings having been proposed by Sen. Alexander Mundigi, MP. and seconded by Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, MP.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1173/2025MATTES ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

UnderMinutesofthe176sitting:Ex.MIN/SEN/SCA/1167/2025-MEETING WITHTHERESEARCHERSTODELIBERATEONTHERESEARCHONTHE INFLUENCEOFONFARMPESTICIDESPRACTICESANDPROCCESSING METHODSONPESTICIDERESIDUELEVELSINPOTATOTUBERSIN NYANDARUACOUNTY

1.Presentation from researchers

The Committeemadethefollowingobservations:

• i. TheMinistryofAgricultureandLivestockDevelopmentshouldbe invited toactualizeandbenefitfromtheresearchthatwasdoneon the tubers;
• ii. The research should be broken down in digestible versions and be shared with farmers;
• iii. Hold amultisectoralstakeholderforumwith theMoALD,KEBSand otherorganizationstofindoutwhateveryoneisdoingontheissueoffood safety in the Country;
• iv. Engage with researchers who did research on all banned chemicals in Kenya; and
• V. Egerton University has an extension services program that can benefit Counties.

2.Visit to Nyandarua County

The Committee was informed that the visit to Nyandarua County was scheduled from Thursday, 11th September, 2025 to Sunday, 14th September, 2025.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1174/2025-

STAKEHOLDERSUBMISSIONONTHE SEEDSANDPLANTVARIETIESBILL,2025 (SENATEBILLSNO.1OF2025)(C0MMITTEE PAPERNO.135)

The Committee was informed that the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) had communicated that they would not be able to attend the Committee meeting due to prior official engagements.

CommitteeResolutions

• 1.The Committee resolved that all submissions should be consolidated into a matrix and be considered on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025;

2. The Committee to undertake a stakeholder engagement after the presentation of the matrix to deliberate on any gaps that might come up for clarifications; 3. The Committee to undertake a report writing retreat on the bill.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1175/2025ANYOTHERBUSINESS

1. Foreign Travel - The Committee was taken through a budget that caters for all nine (9) members of the Committee and four (4) members of the secretariat to travel to both Uganda and Ethiopia from 12th to 20th October, 2025. The Committee approved the budget and the dates; 2. 2.Concept Note -Visit to Uasin Gishu County and Kenya Seed in Kitale

• i. The Committee was taken through a concept note on the visit to Kenya Seed Company in Kitale (Trans Nzoia County);
• ii. The Committee and resolved to undertake the visit from Sunday, 24th August, 2025 to Wednesday, 27th August, 2025 with Monday, 25th August, 2025 being a visit to Eldoret (Uasin Gishu County) (NCPB) and Tuesday, 26th August, 2025 visit Kenya Seed Company in Kitale and return toNairobi onWednesday,27thAugust 2025.
• iii. The Committee deliberated'on its involvement in the Devolution Conference and was disappointed that the inclusion of the Committee was dropped and only Devolution and CPAC Committees were considered to attend. However, the Committee was informed that Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP who is in both Agriculture and Devolution Committee, was

the one who was to present a paper on behalf of the Agriculture Committee. The Committee disagreed with the resolution of Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP. to represent the Committee and resolved that the Chairperson should be the one to represent the Committee.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1176/2025 ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m. The next meeting will be on notice.

DATE: ..2/0.8/2025

SIGNED: ..

SEN.DAVIDWAFULAWAKOLI,MP (CHAIRPERSON)

MINUTESOFTHEONEHUNDREDANDNINETYFOURTHMEETINGOF THESENATESTANDINGCOMMITTEEONAGRICULTURE,LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES,HELD ON TUESDAY,24THFEBRUARY,2026IN COMMITTEEROOM5AT10:00A.M.

PRESENT

• 1.Sen. David Wafula Wakoli, MP

Chairperson

• 2.Sen.AlexanderMunyiMundigi,MP

Vice-Chairperson

3. Sen. Abbas Sheikh, CBS, MP

Member

4. Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC MP

Member

5. Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP

• Member

• 6.Sen. Hezena Lemaletian, MP

• Member

ABSENTWITHAPOLOGIES

1. Sen. Moses Kajwang', CBS, MP

Member

• 2.Sen. Mwenda Gataya (Mo Fire), CBS, MP

Member

• 3.Sen.Wahome Wamatinga, MP

Member

SECRETARIAT

1. Mr. Peter Mulesi

• Clerk Assistant 1

2. Ms. Ivy Nyambura

• Clerk AssistantIII

3. Ms. Faith Cheruto

• Legal Counsel

4. Mr. Hillary Cheruiyot

• Research OfficerIII

• 5.Ms.Winnie Atieno

• Audio Officer

6. Ms. Sarah Rukwaro

• S-A-A

• 7.Mr.Abubakar Ekuwom

• Intern

MIN/SEN/SCA/1297/2026-

PRELIMINARIES

The meeting was called to order at 10:27 a.m. followed by a word of prayer and introductions

MIN/SEN/SCA/1298/2026-

ADOPTIONOFTHEAGENDA

The agenda was adopted after being proposed by Sen. Alexander Mundingi, MP and seconded by Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC MP as follows -

1. Prayer; 3. Confirmation of the minutes of the 190th ,191st, 192nd and 193rd Sittings; 2. Adoption of the Agenda; 4. 4.Matters arising; 5. 5.Consideration of the Report on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No.4 of 2025) (Committee Paper No. 150); and 6. 6.Any Other Business; and 7. 7.Date of the Next Meeting and Adjournment.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1299/2026CONFIRMATIONOFMINUTESOFTHE PREVIOUSSITTING

• a) The Minutes of the One Hundred and Ninety Third sitting held on Thursday, 19th February, 2026 were confirmed as a true record of the proceedings after being proposed by Sen. Alexander Mundigi, MP and seconded by Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP;
• b) The Minutes of the One Hundred and Ninety Second sitting held on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 were confirmed as a true record of the proceedings after being proposed by Sen. Hezena Lemaletian, MP and seconded by Sen. Abbas Sheikh, CBS, MP; and
• c) The Minutes of the One Hundred and Ninety First sitting held on Monday, 17th November, 2025 were confirmed as a true record of the proceedings after being proposed by Sen. Abbas Sheikh, CBS, MP and seconded by Sen. Hezena Lemaletian, MP.

MATTESARISINGFROMTHEPREVIOUS

MIN/SEN/SCA/1300/2026MINUTES

The following matter arose under The Minutes of the One Hundred and Ninety Third sitting held on Thursday, 19th February, 2026 as follows-

UnderMN/SEN/SCA/1286/2025-MeetingwiththeGovernorMarsabitCountyto deliberateontheimplementationstatusofthedroughtresilienceprogramme

TheCommitteeresolvedasfollows-

• a) The Secretariat was tasked with preparing a proposal indicating suitable dates in March 2026 for a Committee visit toMarsabit County.The proposal should also include a comprehensive logistical plan covering additional areas within the Northern Counties Circuit; and
• b) The Secretariat was further tasked with reviewing issues of national interest raised during a meetingof the Senate CPAIC Committee, particularly concerning the utilization of Ksh.55.9 million by the County Committee.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1301/2026-

CONSIDERATIONOFTHEREPORTONTHE SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES (AMENDMENT)BILL,2025(SENATEBILLS NO.4 0F2025)

This Committee considered and adopted the report after having been proposed by Sen. Abbas Sheikh, CBS, MP and seconded by Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP with the recommendationthattotheSenatethattheBillbenotproceededwith.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1303/2026ANYOTHERBUSINESS

• a)The Legal Counsel informed the Committee that consideration of the Report on the Livestock Protection and Sustainability Bill, 2024 (Senate Bills No.32 of 2024)wouldbefurtherdelayedduetothelackofconcurrencewiththe counterpart Committee in theNational Assembly.TheLegal Counsel further indicated that she is currently preparing the proposed Committee Stage Amendments, which will be presented to the Committee in the coming week.
• b) The Committee was further informed of the pending Bills currently under consideration by Mediation Committees, namely—
• i. The Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill, 2023 (National AssemblyBillsNo.21 of 2023); and
• ii. The Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bills No. 13 of 2022).
• c) The Chairperson undertook to engage with counterparts in the National Assembly to expedite consideration of theBills.The Chairpersonfurther indicated that thematter would be raisedbefore theLiaison Committee,

particularlytheneed toensure thatMembersappointed toMediation Committees possess prior knowledge and familiarity with the contents of the respective Bills.

MIN/SEN/SCA/1304/2026ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m. The next meeting will be on notice.

26/02/26

SIGNED:..

DATE:.

SEN.DAVIDWAFULAWAKOLI,MP (CHAIRPERSON)

MINISTRYOFAGRICULTUREANDLIVESTOCKDEVELOPMENT

OFFICEOFTHECABINETSECRETARY

Telephone:2718870/9

Website:ww.kilimo.go.ke

Email:cabinetsecretary@kilimo.go.ke

Whenreplyingpleasequote;

REF:MOALD/CS/ADM/12VOL.VIII/

J. M. Nyegenye, CBS

Clerk of the Senate Parliament Buildings P.O.B0X41842-00100

NAIROBI

SUBMISSION ON THE SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES BILL, 2025 (SENATEBILLNO.4OF2025)

Referenceis made toyour letter Ref:SEN/DSEC/SCA/CORR/07/2025/277 dated 10th July 2025 concerning the above subject.

Attached herewith is the submission on the proposed Seeds and Plants Varieties Bill 2025.

Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH CABINETSECRETARY

0 5.AUG 2025

Encl.

(DSEC)

S12025

Copy to: [

Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh P. CBS

Principal Secretary State Department for Agriculture

DDSECBL)

Kimely

dal

.NAIROBI

TRE SENATE RECEIVED

0 5 AUG 2025

DIRECTORLEGALSERVICES

KILIMOHOUSE CATHEDRALROAD P.O.B0x30028 NAIROBI

4th August 2025

MINISTRYOFAGRICULTUREANDLIVESTOCKDEVELOPMENT

SUBMISSION ON THE SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES BILL, 2025 (SENATE BILL NO. 4 OF 2025)

BY

SEN.MUTAHI KAGWE,EGH CABINETSECRETARY

JULY2025

Introduction

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is a government agency established in 1996 and restructured in 2012 to regulate and monitor plant health in Kenya. Operating under theMinistry of Agriculture and LivestockDevelopment,KEPHIS ensures thatplant products,seeds,and horticultural exports meet national and international standards by controlling pests and diseases, certifying plant materials, and safeguarding agricultural sectorsfromhealthrisks.

As Kenya's National Plant Protection Organization, it promotes food security and sustainable agriculture through science-based regulatory services.KEPHIS also serves as the National Designated Authority on Seed Quality and the Plant Breeders Rights Office, implementing international agreements like theIPPC and WTO's SPS regulations.Its

OverviewofKEPHIS'seedclassificationandcertification

KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service)oversees seed classification and regulations. Its role is to ensure that seeds produced, sold, and distributed in Kenya meet strict quality standards for purity, germination, and health. KEPHIS classifies seeds into classes,tomaintaingeneticpurity andperformance.

According to the Third Schedule of the Seeds Regulations, KEPHIS classifies seed into several generations —.each with distinct eligibility criteria and label colours. This framework ensures traceability, genetic purity, and quality control at every propagation step.

Thecertificationprocessinvolvesrigorousinspection,sampling,andtestingtoguarantee that seeds are true to type and free from pests and diseases, thereby supporting agricultural productivity, seed quality assurance, and compliance with national and international standards.

Under the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap 326) of Kenya, Standard Seed refers to seed health as prescribed by KEPHIS. This seed category typically meets the requirements for genetic purity and seed health. Standard Seeds are produced to ensure high performance and uniformity for planting and are legally approved for sale and distribution. The aim is to provide farmers with reliable, high-quality seed to improve crop yields and maintain the integrityofplantvarieties.

The KEPHIS seed system is in line with international best standards and are particularly guided by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed schemes and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) of which KEPHIS is a member onbehalf of Kenya.

Through the implementation of existing Acts and the related Regulations, KEPHIS has managedtoefficientlyevaluateandrelease1,081varietiessinceinceptionwithan averagevariety testing and release duration of twoyears.KEPHIScertified 68,810tons of seed in 2024 by overseeing field inspection, processing, labelling, import and export of seeds.

Observations,comments andrecommendationson theSeeds andPlantVarieties(Amendment)SenateBill No.4of2025

• introduce another body (Kenya Bureau of Standards) to implement parts of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act to ceitify standard-based seeds which will by-pass the rigorous standards necessary for the production, processing and marketing of high quality seeds and which are set according to international best practices.
• The enactment of the Bill will negatively impact on agricultural productivity and export of agricultural produce leading tohuge losses inforeign exchange earnings and food insecurity. This is because farmers will not be able to access superior, high yielding seed and planting materials since Breeder's novel varieties will not be 3

protected by Kenya Bureau of Standards. KEPHIS is the designated National Plant BreedersRightsOffice(NPBRO)andNationalPlantProtectionOffice(NPPO)for the purpose of regulating seed companies, plant breeders, plant importers and exporters.

• .the Bureau shall within sixty days in writing, approve or reject the application. This section when read together with Section10C(1)(c) and (d) that states seed donebased on laboratory testsONLY.Thiswill be abigmistakesince environmental conditions significantly affect the performance of different plant varieties, leading to variations in yield, growth and other traits. Understanding genotype (G)-byenvironment (E) interactions (GxE) is crucial for optimizing crop production and makinginformedbreedingdecisions.
• Section10B(5) (c) providesforrenewal of thevarietyregistration certificate after every 5 years uponpayment of a renewal fee, which is notprescribed. This is likely toresult tohighcosts tobreeders tomaintaintheirvarieties.Thiscostwillbe passed on to farmers resulting to higher seed prices and no access to affordable seeds especially for resource poor small-scale farmers.
• Currently,breeders,seed companies and owners ofplantvarieties areinvited by During observation, a breeder can object to the registration of a variety in case of alleged infringement of their plant breeders' rights. With the proposed laboratory tests only lasting less than 60 days,joint observations will not be possible and other breederswillbe denied an opportunity to scrutinize alleged newvarieties, which amounts to discrimination contrary to the Constitution of Kenya.
• ·The Bill if enacted will create gaps, conflicts and overlaps that include;
• i Inadequatelyregulatedparallel seedsystem.
• i Poor applicationofscience inseed systemmanagement.
• iii Duplication of functions.

SpecificcommentsontheBill

Thecommentsareprovidedintheattachedmatrix.Thematrixprovideclausebyclause analysisdraftSeedsandPlantVarietiesAct.

Commentsandrecommendationsontheproposed theSeedsandPlantVarieties bill2025(SenateBillNo.4of2025)

| | SECTION/CLAUSE | Comments | Recommendation | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | standards-basedseed registration systemto facilitatetimely approval ofseed varieties,and for connected purposes | Long KEPHISActof2012 Title/Introduction- (CAP349) ANACTofParliament toamendtheSeeds functions to KEPHIS andPlantVarietiesAct tointroduce a | Justification KEPHIS is required to, in Givesthismandateand consultationwith otherrelevant agencies, developand implement standardsfor seed andplant materials. The Billwillresult in duplication and overlapwith existing functions. | TheBill in its currentform isnot suitablefor processing. | | | Clause3:Insertionofanewsections10A,10Band10CofCap.326 | Clause3:Insertionofanewsections10A,10Band10CofCap.326 | Clause3:Insertionofanewsections10A,10Band10CofCap.326 | Clause3:Insertionofanewsections10A,10Band10CofCap.326 | Clause3:Insertionofanewsections10A,10Band10CofCap.326 | | Standards-based seed registration system Establishmentof standardbasedseed registration system tobe administered by the Kenya Bureau ofstandards (KEBS) | ThedraftBill doesnot specifywhichCabinet Secretarywillimplement thislawsinceKEBSis incorporatedunderthe MinistryofInvestments Trade and Industry whiletheSeedsand PlantVarietiesActis administeredunderthe MinistryofAgriculture and LivestockDevelopment. | Thefunctionis already adequatelybeing undertaken by KEPHIShence providing that KEBS administer seedstandards will leadto jurisdictional conflict and multi-legislation | SeedStandards are betterhandledby KEPHIS | |

| Applicationfor registration. Application for seedvarietiesunder standardsBased registrationsystem | TheSeedsandPlant VarietiesActsections7- 9providesforthe Registration of releaseofplant varieties.TheSeedsand plantVarieties VarietiesEvaluationand release)Regulations9- 14providefor exemptionbasedon Foodsecurity,National interestandVarieties whichhavealreadybeen releasedinregional blockswithharmonized regulationsallowingfor quickreleaseof varietiesofnational interestsuchasClimate resilientvarieties. KEPHIShasallowedfor client-managed evaluationtrialsto facilitatecheaperand fasterreleaseof varieties | The function is already adequatelybeing undertakenby KEPHIS hence providingthat KEBSadminister seedregistration will leadto jurisdictional conflict and multi-legislation on existing functions. | Existing legislations areadequatefor standardseed registration | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10B. (6) Provisionfor revocation of registrationcertificate forvarietiesfoundnot meetingstandards duringvarietypost market monitoring | TheSeedsandPlant VarietiesActprovides forsuchoffencesin section10whilethe Seeds andPlant Varieties(Seeds) Regulationsprovidesfor Marketsurveillance, stopsaleandseizureof non-conforming seeds inregulations17- 21 | The provision is likelytocreate regulatory conflictsand marketconfusion | Existing legislations are adequatefor ensuringquality | | 3 Clause4: Amendmentof section 11 of Cap. 326. Establishmentofseed testinglaboratoriesby theservicein consultationwith CountyGovernments | KEPHIS (The Service) hasalreadyestablished seedtestinglaboratories inNakuruandKitale Counties besides accreditinganother5 laboratoriesinNairobi, NakuruandKitaletotest forseedquality. KEPHISconsultswidely | Establishmentof seed testing centresis providedfor in theseeds'and plantvarieties Actand requirementand actual putting up ofseed | Existing legislations areadequatefor ensuringquality centreis operationaland better managed administratively |

| | withCounty Governments in implementation of its Mandate including on seedquality Monitoring. | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Clause5:Insertion ofanewSchedule SevenofCap.326 Introductionof the seventhschedulesfor 19cropstobe certifiedaccordingto thestandards-based seedregistration system | TheSeedsandPlant Varieties(Seeds) regulationsprovidesfor thecertificationof152 cropsunderregulation6 (1)including the listed cropswith38of varietiesputunder compulsorycertification in regulation6(2) due to.their economic importancetofood security. KEPHIS in consultation withstakeholders allowedforquickand easycertification of somecropswithonly oneinspectionunder thestandard seed certification scheme | Crops limitation, duplication and overlapwith existing functions | Existinglegislations areadequatefor scheduling cropsfor standard registration | | Statementofthe Objects and ReasonsfortheBill This amendment seekstoaddressthe inefficiencies in the currentseedApproval processwhichhasled to significant delays, averaging four years, andhindered farmers' accesstoqualityand climate-resilientseed varieties.This amendmentwill createaflexibleand efficientregulatory frameworkthat facilitatesthetimely approvalofseed varieties,promotes | KEPHISincollaboration withstakeholders embracesinnovation and quickly adapts to newtechnologies allowing for therapid releaseof18climate resilientvarietiesinthe lasttwoyearsand authorizationof itsseed certificationmandateto privateinspectors and privateseedtestinglabs formoreefficient services. KEPHISisreadyto consider along with stakeholders and implementnewwaysof further enhancing this efficiency in. plant | Misrepresentation offactsasrecent evaluationofthe varietyrelease processfound thattheaverage releasetimefor varietiesisnow2 yearswithsome varietiesof National interest releasedwithin1 year. | Giventhenature of function and level of technology between 1 -2 yearsreleasetime isveryreasonable. |

| innovationinseed developmentand enhancesfarmers' accesstoaffordable and climate-smart seedstoensurefood security and sustainable agriculturalgrowth | varietiesreleaseand seedcertification | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|

Conclusion

Theproposed amendment to the Seeds andPlantVarieties Actwill result in duplication of farmer access to seeds in addition to other adverse effects such as circulation of poorly performing varieties;increase in counterfeit and substandard seeds; reduce access to climate-resilient and region-specific varieties and eroded farmers' trust in certified seed. Weakening theseed system will disrupts the entire agricultural value chain and undermines leading to reduced agricultural productivity, exports, and rural livelihoods.

It is our humblerecommendation that theproposed Seeds andPlantVarieties Act (Amendment) Senate bill No.4 of 2025 be withdrawn.

AG.202S .

Signature

Date

SENMUTAHIKAGWE,EGH CABINETSECRETARY

Probe TheKikuyu,Luo,Luhya,Kamba and Kalenjin communities comprise304ofthe506 employees

KNBstakentotaskoverskewed

Fivedominantethniccommunitiesaccount foroverhalfofthetotalworkforce

BYEDWINMUTAI

hestatistics bureau is on the spotovertherecentempioymentofstafffromfive dominantethniccommuniexclusionof14otherethnicities wholackrepresentation at the institution. tieswho alreadyaccountforover halfofthetotalworkforceatthe

alreadycomprise304ofthe nployees.

theKikuyu,Luo,Luhya,Kamba andKalenjincommunitieswhen al lntegrationcomnitteeputthe tics(KNBS)Director-General Macdonald Obudhototasktoexplain whyitemployednewstafffrom Equal Opportunity,andRegionKenyaNationalBureauofStatisThe Senate National Cohesion,

hotold thecommitteethat,outof the506staffKikuyuaccountfor 102,LuoS4,Luhya60,Kamba58, teetoprovideinformationonthe representationofKenya'sdiversityinstaffcomposition,DrObudAppearingbefore thecommitandKalenjin50.

Borana have31.13,10and nine enployeesrespectively. The Somali,Embu,Meru and

Sakuyeeachhaveoneslotatthe KNBS employment. yan Arabs,Mbeere,llchamus/ Njemps,Nubi,Rendile and the The Boni-Sanye,El Molo.Ken-

(5).Kuria (4),Pokot(3),and TurKNBS are Mijikenda (8),Gabra Other tribes employed at the ji,Pokomo,Samburu,Taitaand kana(3),whileBajuni,Suba,BurTavetaeachhaving twoemployees at KNBS.

knowwhytheTharaka'swerenot force,despiteProfessorKithure Kindiki being thecountry's DeprepresentedintheKNBSworkuty President. The committee demanded to

Thecommittee thatis chaired byMarsabitSenatorMohamed

providethelist of the14ethnic communitieswhohavenoslots at thebureau. 45Kenyanethniccommunities leaving out14 tribes.He didnot KNBShas employed31outofthe Dr Obudho toldSenators that

PUBLIC NOTICE

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The Ministry shallalsohold publicforumstodiscussthe documents The consultationsare scheduled tobeheld asfollows:-

| | NREGIDN HomaBay | LDCATIONNS2A8 Tom Mboya University He | | TUE | |----|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------------|---------| | | | | 20lJudy2025 | 0.00am | | | Kisumu | TomMboyaHal | 30hJuly2025 | 9.00am | | | Kitalo | Kitalo Palytechnic Hab | 31Jaly2025 | 9.00am | | 04 | | UasinGishuCountyHal | 1stAurgust2025 | 9.00am | | 05 | Nakuru | NakunuCountyHall! | zAugust2025 | 3.00am | | 06 | Machakos | MachakosUniversity Hall | sthAugust2025 | 9.00am. | | 07 | Marsabit | esnyyeeugegesuey | 2gthJuly202s | 0.00am | | 08 | Meru | Imenti North CDF Hall | 30y2025 | 9.00am | | 09 | Chogaria | Chogoria Social Hal | 351ul2025 | 9.00sm | | 10 | Nanyuki | COFHa | 1August2025 | 9.00cm | | 11 | Enbu | Kanya SchoolfGov | zthAugust2025 | 9.00am | | 12 | Hyeri | Hyeri Cultural Center | sthAugust2025 | 006 | | 13 | Hola | HolaPrimary School | 2gilJuy2025 | 9.00am | | 14 | Lamu | MwanarafaHal[Lamu lsland] | | 9.00am | | 15 | Watamu | Turtle BayBezchClubHotel | 1july2025 | 9.00sm | | 16 | Mombasa | Monbasa Beach Hotel | 1stAugust2025 | 9.00m | | | Uunda | County SocialHall-Bonwa | zthAugust2025 | 9.00sm | | 18 | Voi | DanMwazo Hal | sthAugust2025 | 9.00am | | 19 | Wote | WoteGreenPark SocialHall | 6uAugust2025 | 9.00m | | 20 | Nairobi | KenyattalntermationalComventionCentre[KIcC)(Amphithoatre) | gthAugurst2025 | 9.00am |

BRARTINTHEREGUATIONSECTIONDNDRATRECUEAOPROPUSERECOONEHDAIORSUCATORANDRATIONALE E.gPart!

Wtensubisonsonthedcmnt shouldbsontin thefoat beo

Writtensubmssonsshouldbesentorates@kws.gokeorhanddeliveredtotheaddressprovdedbelownolaterthanfourteendays[14]fromthe date of publicationof thisnotice addressed to

MNISTRYOFTOURISM&WILDLIFE REBECCAMIANO,EGH CAEINETSECRETARY

IENYAWILDLIFESERVICEHEADQUARTERS LANGATA,LANGATA RDAD THEDIRECTORGENERAL PDE0X40241-00100 NAIRODI

KenyaNationalBureauof Statistics Director-General Macdonald Obudho addressesparticipantsduringan event at theKICC AmphitheaterinearlyMay.The agencyhasbeen putonthe spot overtheethniccompositionofitsworkforce.FRANCISNDERITUi NATION

Chute demandedtoknowwhy thenew31slotswerenotdistributed among14ethnic comnunitieswhohaveno singlestaffrepresentation at theKNBS.

Documents tabledby Dr Obud- twoKalenjin. kuyu community,three Luo, threeLuhya.threeKamba,and hoshowthat,outofthe31new employees,two arefrom theKi- Article232of the Constitution

506

thepositions. KNBS,withfivemajorethnic communitiestakingup304of Thetotalnumberofworkerswhoareemployedatthe

andSection7oftheNational Comentagenciesseek torepresent licoffice shall havemore than one thirdofitsworkersfromthe sameethniccommunity. hesion andIntegrationAct(NCI), 2008,requires that all govern thediversityofthepeopleofKenya instaffing and that nopub.

retirement ageof60with the thatthebureaualsohassixem ployeeswhohavesurpassed the youngestemployeeattheState agencybeinga 22-year-old. The committee established

including the numberof applicants,thosewho madeit to the long andshort lists and theirre allemploymentdocumentation. spectivescoresforthecommittee tofurnishthecommitteewith Mr ChutedirectedDr Obudho toscrutinise.

Nominated Senator Beth Syengodemandedtoknowwhy

REPUBLICOFKENYA

THIRTEENTHPARLIAMENTITHIRDSESSION THESENATE

INVITATION FORSUBMISSIONOFMEMORANDA

[SENATEBILLSNO.40F2025]

TheSeedsandPlantVarieties[Amendment]Bill,2025[SenateBillsNo.4of2025]wasreada FirstTimeintheSenateonWednesday9July2025andthereafterstoodcommittedforconsideration to the StandingCommittee onAgriculture,LivestockandFisheries.TheCommitteeisrequired,under standingorder145[5]oftheSenateStandingOrders,tofacilitatepublicparticipationontheBilland to takeintoaccount theviews andrecommendationsof thepublicwhentheCommitteemakesitsreport tothe Senate.

thetimelapprovalofseedvarietiesreducedelaysineedreistrationandmproveaccesstoclimat resilientand high-qualityseedsforfarmers. introduceastandards-basedseedregistrationsystemadministeredbytheKenyaBureauofStandards The principalobjectof the Bill is toamend the Seeds and Plant VarietiesAct[Cap.326]inorderto [KEBS]as analternative to the existingcertification process.The proposed system aims to enhance

interestedmembersof thepublictosubmitanyrepresentationsthattheymayhaveontheBillbyway of writtenmermoranda. Inaccordancewith theprovisionsofArticle118of the Constitutionandstandingorder145[5]of the SenateStandingOrders,the StandingCommittee on Agriculture,Livestock and Fisheriesnowinvites

ThememorandamaybesubmittedtotheClerkof theSenate,P0.Box41842-00100,Nairobihand delivered totheOfficeof theClerkof theSenateMainParliamentBuildingsNairobioremailedo clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke and copied toagricuiturelfcommittee.senate@parliament.go.ke tobe received onorbeforeTuesday,29July,2025at5.00p.m.

The Bill and a digest that summarizes the contents.and context of.the Bill maybe-accessed on.the Parliament websiteat http://www.parliament.go.ke/the-senate/house-business/bills.

J.M.NYEGENYE,CBS, CLERKOFTHE SENATE.

theKNBs had left therest of the percent of the employment giv40communities tofightfor40 enthatfivecommunitieshadsecured60percentofthe506posts.

why theKNBShad split the standalone ethnicgroup. Kalenjin communityby categorisingPokot,withtreestaffas Shealso demanded toknow

rest ofthe31ethnicitiestostrug ties ofKikuyu,Luo,Luhya.Kam ba andKalenjin,they already ac countfor60percentoftotalemployment.Why doyouleave the "If youtakefourfirst communiment-nominatedSenatorsaid gle for40percent of the slots? This is very unfair,Ms Syengo. the OrangeDemocraticMove-

alltribes inKenya when hiring. ployment composition,saying theKNBS had takeninto consid erationthepopulationcensusfor Dr Obudho defended the em-

"We are trying to bring on nic communities donot apply firmativeactiontoregularisethe ethnicrepresentation." boardother communitiesaswe continue torecruit new staffDr but wearetrying toundertake af Obudho said,adding:Some eth-

emutai@ke.nationmedia.com REPUBLICOFKENYA

MINISTRYOFAGRICULTUREANDLIVESTOCKDEVELOPMENT

OFFICEOFTHECABINETSECRETARY

Telephone:2718870/9

Website:www.kilimo.go.ke

Email:cabinetsecretary@kilimo.go.ke

When replying please quote;

REF:MOLD/CS/ADM/166

J. M. Nyegenye, CBS

Clerk of the Senate Parliament Buildings P.O.B0X41842-00100

NAIROBI

KILIMOHOUSE CATHEDRALROAD P.O.B0x30028 NAIROBI

5th August 2025

DsEL

ZOT.0m

1202

06/081

DSEC BL

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ONTHE SEED AND PLANT VARIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025 (SENATE BILL NO. 4 OF 2025)

dated 30th July 2025, concerning the above subject.

Regrettably, I will not be able to attendthe meeting due to prior official engagements outside the country. However, I have already submitted our response via a letter Ref: MOALD/CS/ADM/12VOL.VII dated 4th August 2025.

The purpose of this letter is to seek your indulgence to reschedule the meeting to a.later date.

Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH CABINETSECRETARY

THE SENATE RECERFD

06 AUG 2025

DIRECTORLEGALSER'"

Copy to: :Dr.Kipronoh Ronoh, CBS

Principal Secretary State Department for Agriculture NAIROBI

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

Telegraphic Address Bunge'Nairobi Telephone 2848000 Fax:8243694 E-mail:clerk.senate@parliament,go,ke

PARLIAMENT

OFFICE OFTHECLERK OFTHESENATE

Ref.SEN/DSEC/SCA/CORR/09/2025/312

Prof.TheophilusMutui,PhD, ManagingDirector, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, P.O.B0x 49592-00100, NAIROBI.

Dear Sir,

RE:INVITATION TOAMEETING OFTHESTANDING COMMITTEEON AGRICULTURE,LIVESTOCKANDFISHERIESTODELIBERATEONTHE SEEDS AND PLANT VARITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025 (SENATE BILLS NO.4 0F 2025)

Reference is made to.our letter, Ref. SEN/DSEC/SCA/CORR/07/2025/290, dated 30" July, 2025 inviting you to submit memoranda on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025).

At its meeting held on Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, the Standing Committee on Agriculture considered your memoranda and noted that the following issues required further clarification-

• 1.Provide a list of crop varieties that have been released within one year, as indicated in your submission, specifying the crop type, variety name and the exact time taken for release;

2. Furnish a list of crop varieties that have taken two years'or more to be released, indicating the crop type, variety, name and the duration taken for release; 3. From the list provided, highlight crop varieties that are specifically climate-resilient and indicate the criteria used to classify them as such; and 4. Explain instanccs where seed varieties passed the standards and quality tests but failed during the agro-ecological trials and provide details of such varieties and the reasons for failing the tests.

The purpose of this letter is to invite you to a meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025 at Committee Room 5, Main Parliament Buildings at 10:00 a.m. to apprise the Committee on the issues listed above.

The Sonate Clerk's Chambers ParliarnentBuildings P.O.B0x.41842-00100 NAIROBI,Kenya

24thSeptember,2025

Mr. Peter Mulesi, Clerk Assistant I (Cell Number: +254 727-544-134; Email: mulesi.peter@parliament.go.ke), is the Clerk to the Committee and is responsible for all arrangements relating to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

J. M. NYEGENYE, CBS, CLERK ODTHE SENATE.

Copy to:

Hon. Mutahi Kagwe,EGH,

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, P.O. B0x 30028-00100, NAIROBI.

Dr.Paul Ronoh,PhD,

Principal Secretary, Stale Department for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Devciopment, P.0. B0x 30028-00100 NAIROBI.

COMMENTS ON SUBMISSIONS BYSEN.LEDAMA OLEKINA DURINGSECODN READINGOFTHESENATEBILLON AMENDMENTOF THESEEDSANDPLANT VARIETIES ACT, 2025

Claimsby theSenator

| No. | Claim | Fact (s) | |-------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | It takes 4 years to release a variety in Kenya | LatestTASAIreport states thatit takes and average of 2 yearstorelease avarietyinKenya. The Act and regulations empower the Cabinet Secretary to waiverequirementsfortestingvarietiesbasedonfood security and emergency situations. Regional harmonizationhasprovided forvarietiesreleased under similar agro-ecology released in Kenya without further testing | | 2 | UPOV promotes molecular testing for varieties, while OECD promotes DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) | DUS is a technical procedure that encompasses both phenotypic(observable)characteristics and molecular characteristics (DNA, Protein). UPOV is the competent International organization that develops guidelines for Dus as test for determining if varietiesqualifyfor grantofPlantBreeder'sRights Both observable characteristics and molecular characteristics are necessary for delimiting varieties. Observable characteristics need to be documented as they are used for identifying a variety on a day to day basis. One cannot conduct a DNA test at every inspection | | 3. | KEPHIS subscribes to OECD, KEBS subscribes to UPOV | KEPHISistheNational CompetentAuthorityandfocalpoint forUPOVandOECDSeedSchemesandattendsdecision making meetings - both technical and policy. Upovhasno·provisionsforvarietyrelease(national listing). It only provides procedures for DuS and plant variety protection | | 4. | Costofvariety release is USD, 50,000 per variety. Proposes new cost to USD.3,500 | Real cost is: NPT-USD 1200X2seasons DUS-USD600tocover2seasons Total-USD3000 This is lower than the new cost proposed. | | 5. | Western Seed Company (WSC) has relocated to Zambia | WSC is based in Kitale and is engaged in seed production, processing and marketing. It produces seed in Kenya and Zambia. Varieties produced have been released in Kenya. KEPHIS facilitates importation, processing, testing and labellingofseedproducedbyWSC. Zambia implements a system of variety release similar to Kenya. |

| 6 | MentionsDusas the only test necessary for varietyrelease | Failsto appreciatetheroleof NPT,which testsvarietiesfor agro-ecological adaptability and performance | |-----|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

KENYA PLANT HEALTH INSPECTORATE SERVICE (KEPHIS) HEADQUARTERS

Oloolua Ridge,Karen·P.0.Box49592Nairobi,KenyaTel:0203536171/2/0722516221/0733874274 E-mail:director@kephis.org · Website: www.kephis.org

OurRef:KEPHIS/3/64/Vol.14

Clerk of the Senate Clerk's Chambers Parliament Building P.O.B0X41842-00100 NAIROBI,Knya

Att: Mr. Peter Mutesi

Email : mutesi.peter@parliament.go.ke

Dear

SUBJECT:INVITATION TO A MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES TO DELIBERATE ON THE SEEDS 2025)

Reference is made to your letter, Ref. SEN/DSEC/SCA/CORR/09/2025/312, dated 24th September, 2025 inviting us to a meeting of the committee scheduled to be held on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025 at Committee Room 5, Main Parliament Buildings at 10 am.

Attached, are KEPHIS responses to four issues that required further clarifications.

Yours Sw

PROF.THEOPHILUSM.MUTUI,PHD MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dates: 30th September, 2025

| 19 | 18 | L | 16 | 3 | L | 10 | 8 | 9 | | | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | N | | Number | |------------|------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|------------|-----------------|--------------|---------------|-----------------------|------------|-------------------------|----------------|------------|------------|------------|--------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Lovegrass | Irish potato | Guinea grass | Castor Castor | Castor | Maize | Irishpotato | Chicory Cashew | Cashew | | Cashew | Cashew Beans | | Crop | | NDUME | SMART | PATO1 | JASIRI | Maa grass | NAPOLEON Makuyu | KATNUU70 | NjoroKC15 | NjoroKC24 | SC561 | Sound Commander(0g 145) | Tumaini | Asiri | Pendo | Kadzo | Waithera | Variety Name | SUMMARYOFVARIETIESRELEASEDINTHELASTONEYEAR | | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 09/11/2023 | 15/02/2022 | 09/11/2023 | 20/09/2022 | 20/09/2022 | 14/10/2022 14/02/2024 | 20/06/2024 | 14/02/2023 | 06/02/2024 | 06/02/2024 | 06/02/2024 | 06/02/2024 | 20/01/2023 | Date of application | | | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 14/11/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | Date ofrelease | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | forrelease | Time taken |

Table 1. Summary of Varieties released in the last one year.

List of Crop Varieties that have been released in within the last one year.

| | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 2 | 2 | 2 | |------------|------------|------------|------------|-------------------------|------------------|-------------|--------------|--------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|-------------|--------------|------------------------------|-----------------|----------------|------------|----------------|---------------------------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | | 14/11/2024 | 29/04/2024 | | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 17/11/2023 | 20/09/2022 | 13/06/2023 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 31/01/2022 | 03/08/2022 | 27/09/2022 | 15/02/2023 | 15/02/2022 | 15/02/2022 | 15/02/2022 | 14/02/2023 | 14/02/2023 | 14/02/2023 | 02/06/2023 | 09/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | | HUMMER | KWS PASHO | Camello | Tamar | Purple J | Mahyco C577 Bgii | Mic 561 Bgi | Mic 562 Bgii | Mic 563 Bgii | MIC 563 | MIC 561 | MIC562 | MAHYCO C577 | Greenwich | KWS Karioka | KAT POJO | Massai | SOLHY007 | SOLHY012 | SOLHY015 | Glen | Malaika | Najah | OLJK 1 | Zt9003 | MazaoKame1 | | Sorghum 20 | Sorghum | Urocloa 2 | Castor 3 | Commonvetch Cotton 忆 5 | | Cotton | Cotton 2 | Cotton 28 | Cotton 29 | Cotton 30 | Cotton 3 | Gardenpeas Cotton 3 3 | Gardenpeas | | Green gram 5 | Guinea grass Irishpotato 6 3 | Irish potato 38 | Irish potato 3 | | Irishpotato 40 | Irish potato Irish potato 4 424 | 3 | Lupin | Maize 44 | Maize 4 |

| | | 8 | 9 | 9 | 65 | 64 | 8 | 2 | 切 | 19 | 9 | | 58 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 54 | 3 | 5 | | 50 | 49 | 48 | | 46 | |------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|--------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|------------|-----------------------|----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------|------------------|-----------------------|------------|--------------|------------|------------| | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cassava | Cassava | Cassava | Cassava | Maize | Sunflower | Sorghum | Sorghum Sorghum | Sorghum | | PaddyRice | Paddy Rice | Oil seed rape(Canola) | Oil seed rape(Canola) | Oil seed rape(Canola) Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | | Maize | | Us 266 Bg2 | Us 222 Bg2 | Us 111 Bg2 | Us 244 Bg2 | Us 133 Bg2 | Selina | Nduma | Mwavuli | Umoja | H535 | RGT Vollcano | KWS Msonga | BMR ROCKET | MEGASWEET | AGV KUZO | Kalgold | Kalfine Hyola 140 CC | | Hyola 117 CC | Hyola Blazer TT | PLH518 KishindoB | DT MAX | ZU8506 | ADV2309W-EDV | Mazao2 | Mazao1 | | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 14/02/2021 | 20/07/2023 | 13/02/2023 | 02/09/2022 02/09/2021 | | 02/02/2022 | 01/07/2022 01/07/2022 | 16/02/2022 | 16/02/2022 | 03/09/2021 | | 06/03/2023 | 12/06/2023 15/02/2023 | | 16/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | | 29/04/2024 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | | 2 | | 2 | | 2 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 2 | 2 | | 2 | 乙 |

| | | 3 | | | | | | |------------|--------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------------------| | 14/11/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | | 28/09/2021 | 20/07/2022 | 14/02/2021 | 25/02/2022 | 24/02/2022 | 24/02/2022 | 25/02/2022 | 04/08/2020 | | Us 255 Bg2 | LadyJane | ADV2401W | SC811 | SC813 | SC743 | SC657 | Lumen | | Cotton | Irish potato | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Oil seed rape(Canola) | | 1 | 2 | 3 | | 15 | 76 | | 8 |

| 10 | 6 | 8 | | 9 | | 4 | 3 | 2 | L | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | n Cotto | Cotto | Cotto | Cotto | n Cotto | vetch mon Com | Castor | Castor | Castor | Castor | Crop | | MIC563 | Mic 563 Bgi | Mic 562 Bgi | Mic 561 Bgi | C577 Bgii Mahyco | Purple J | Tamar | KATNUU70 | NjoroKC15 | NjoroKC24 | Name Variety | | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 13/06/2023 | 20/09/2022 | 20/09/2022 | 20/09/2022 | 14/10/2022 | application Date of | | 29/04/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | release Date of | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 | forrelease Time taken | | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | varietywhichcaused thedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | varietywhichcaused thedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the. | varietywhichcaused thedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | 2 varietywhichcausedthedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causinga | delay in thereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | 2 delay in thereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delay in the release of the variety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | Reason for taking longer time to be released |

Table2 SUMMARY OF THEVARIETIES THAT HAVE TAKENTWOYEARSANDMOREFOR RELEASE

name and the duration taken for release 2. List of crop varieties that have taken two years or more to be released, indicating the crop type, variety,

| delay intherelease of thevariety 2 | delay intherelease of thevariety 2 | delayinthereleaseofthevariety 2 | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety 2 | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseof thevariety 2 | delayinthereleaseofthevariety 2 | delayintherelease of thevariety 2 | | delayinthereleaseofthevariety 2 | The client staggered the NPT applications i.e the client unbasans au ui usat om uoseas iot idde pou p 2 | The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which tookanextrayearforthefinal decisiontobemade season afterthe firsttesting 2 | The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which tookanextrayearforthefinaldecisiontobemade 2 | The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which tookanextrayearforthefinal decisiontobemade 2 | season afterthefirsttesting 2 | |--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 11/02/2022 | 31/01/2022 | 03/08/2022 | 27/09/2022 | 09/11/2023 | | 15/02/2023 | 15/02/2022 | 15/02/2022 | 15/02/2022 | 15/02/2022 | 14/02/2023 | | MIC 561 | MIC562 | MAHYCO C577 | Greenwich | Karioka KWS | KAT POJO | Makuyu | | Massai | NAPOLEON | SOLHY007 | SOLHY012 | SOLHY015 | Glen | | Cotto n | Cotto n | Cotto | Garde npeas | Garde npeas | Green gram | Guine a | grass Guine | grass a | Irish potato | Irish potato | Irish potato | Irish potato | Irish potato | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 切 | 15 | | 17 | 18 | | 6 | 20 | Z | 2 | 23 |

| 3 | | 3 | 3 | | 30 | | 28 | 27 | 7 | | 忆 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Lupin | grass Love | potato Irish | potato Irish | | KishindoB PLH518 | DT MAX | ZU8506 | EDV ADV2309W- | Mazao 2 | Mazao | Mazao Kame | Zt9003 | OLJK1 | Maa grass | Najah | Malaika | | 06/03/2023 | 12/06/2023 | 15/02/2023 | 16/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | 23/02/2022 | 09/02/2022 | 02/06/2023 | 09/11/2023 | 14/02/2023 | 14/02/2023 | | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 2 | | 2 | | timebeforerelease shortrainsseasonwhichmade thevariety to take longer NPT was done only in the long rains,thus skipping the | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | timebeforerelease short rains seasonwhichmade thevarietyto take longer NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the | timebeforerelease short rains season whichmade the variety totakelonger NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the | delay in therelease of thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | timebeforerelease short rainsseason which madethe varietyto take longer NPTwas done only in the long rains,thus skipping the | delay in the release of the variety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | season after thefirsttesting did not apply for season two testing in the subsequent The client staggered the NPT applications i.e the client | season after the firsttesting did not apply for season two testing in the subsequent The client staggered the NPT applications i.e the client |

| delayinthereleaseof thevariety | delayinthereleaseof thevariety | e nee ae t a pde a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | delayin thereleaseof thevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseof thevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | |-------------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | | 03/09/2021 | 16/02/2022 | 16/02/2022 | 01/07/2022 | 01/07/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 31/08/2022 | 02/02/2022 | | | Hyola 117 | | Kalfine | Kalgold | JASIRI | PATO 1 | SMART | NDUME | HUMMER | PASHO KWS | AGVKUZO | | Hyola Blazer T 0 seed rape(C anola) | CC Oil seed rape(C anola) | Hyola 140 CC Oil seed rape(C anola) | Paddy Rice | Paddy Rice | Sorgh um | Sorgh um | Sorgh um | Sorgh um | Sorgh um | Sorgh um | Sorgh wn | | 36 | 3 | 38 | 3 | 4 | | 24 | 3 | | 45 | 46 | 47 |

| 2 | 99 | 9 | G | 8 | 5 | 9 | 5 | | 3 | | | | 6 | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | n Cotto | n Cotto | Cotto | Cotto | n Cotto | Cotto | va Cassa | va Cassa | va Cassa | va Cassa | oa Urocl | wer Sunflo | um Sorgh | um Sorgh | um Sorgh | | Us 255 Bg2 | Us 266 Bg2 | Us 222 Bg2 | Us 111 Bg2 | Us 244 Bg2 | Us 133 Bg2 | Selina | Nduma | Mwavuli | Umoja | Camello | Vollcano RGT | Msonga KWS ROCKET | BMR | SWEET MEGA | | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 18/02/2021 | 17/11/2023 | 20/07/2023 | 13/02/2023 | 02/09/2022 | 02/09/2021 | | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | 29/04/2024 | | 3 | | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | | 乙 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | varietywhichcausedthedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | varietywhichcaused thedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | varietywhichcausedthedelay There was a court case contesting the release ofthe | varietywhichcausedthedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | varietywhichcausedthedelay There was a court case contesting the release of the | varietywhichcaused the delay There was a court case contesting the release of the | tookanextrayearforthefinaldecisiontobemade The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which | took anextra yearfor thefinal decisionto bemade The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which | tookanextrayearforthefinal decisiontobemade The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which | tookanextrayearforthefinaldecisiontobemade The client appealed against the decision of NPTC, which | delayin thereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a | delayinthereleaseof thevariety The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a delayinthereleaseofthevariety | The client applied for DUS testing after NPT thus causing a took anextrayearforthefinaldecisiontobemade | The client appealed against the decision of NPTC,which | tookan extrayearforthefinal decisiontobemade The client appealed against the decision of NPTC,which |

| The variety was tested in the wrong agro ecological zone, thus causing a repeat of an extra season in the correct 3 | shortrainsseasonwhichmade thevarietyto takelonger NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the agroecologicalzone timebeforerelease 3 | short rainsseasonwhichmade thevarietyto take longer NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the timebeforerelease 3 | short rains season which made thevarietyto take longer NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the 3 | shortrainsseason which madethevarietyto take longer NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the timebeforerelease timebeforerelease 3 | short rains season which miade thevarietyto take longer NPT was done only in the long rains,thus skipping the timebeforerelease 3 | shortrainsseasonwhichmadethevarietytotakelonger NPT was done only in the long rains, thus skipping the timebeforerelease 3 | delayinthereleaseof thevariety 3 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | 16/06/2025 | 14/11/2024 | 29/04/2024 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 29/04/2024 | | 20/07/2022 | 14/02/2021 | 14/02/2021 | 25/02/2022 | 24/02/2022 | 24/02/2022 | 25/02/2022 | 04/08/2020 | | Lady Jane | H535 | ADV2401W | SC 811 | SC 813 | SC743 | SC657 | Lumen | | potato Irish | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | Maize | rape(C anola) seed Oil | | 8 | 9 | 65 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 100 |

classify them as such

| | 9 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | L | Number | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Cassava | Cassava | Cashew | Cashew | Cashew | Cashew Beans | | Crop | | Mwavuli | Umoja | Tumaini | Asiri | Pendo | Kadzo | Waithera | Name Variety | | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | release takenfor Time | | Low Cyanide content(3/9) Streak Disease (CBSD)- Score of 1/5 Score of 1/5 Tolerant to Cassava Brown Resistant toCassavaMosaicVirus(CMV)- | Low Cyanide content(3/9) Streak Disease (CBSD)- Score of 2/5 Score of 1/5 Tolerant to Cassava Brown Resistant toCassavaMosaicVirus(CMV)- | Drought tolerant | Drought tolerant | Drought tolerant | Drought tolerant | Micronutrient rich bean (Iron levels is 69.5 Drought tolerant | Special attributes/ Criteria |

| Low Cyanide content(2/9) Good for cooking Resistant to Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV)- Scoreof1/5Tolerant toCassavaBrown Streak Disease (CBSD)- Score of 1/5 (Fresh market) | Resistant to Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV)- Score of 1/5 Tolerant to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD)- Score of 2/5 Low Cyanide content (3/9) | inflorescence blight and castor rust with scores Drought tolerant. Tolerant to Fusarium of<1.5.(Score out of 1-5,1=least | inflorescence blight and castor rust with scores Drought tolerant Tolerant to Fusarium of <1.5..(Score out of 1-5, 1=least severe,5=mostsevere) | inflorescenceblight and castorrustwith scores of <1.5..(Score out of 1-5, 1=least severe, Drought tolerant Tolerant to Fusarium | Early maturing hybrid variety Resistant to weed suppression.High oil content(45%- densities. Strong ratooning High ricinoleic lodging Excellent early.providing up to 51%) Adaptable to different planting | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3 | 3 | 一 | | | 3 | | Nduma | Selina | NjoroKC24 | NjoroKC15 | KATNUU70 | Tamar | | Cassava | Cassava | Castor | Castor | Castor | Castor | | 8 | 9 | 10 | 1 | 12 | 3 |

| | Z | 20 | 6 | 6 | 17 | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton | | | Us 111 Bg2 | Us 244 Bg2 | Us 133 Bg2 | Bgi Mic563 | Bgii Mic 562 | Bgii Mic561 | C577 Bgii Mahyco | | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | | Big Bolls Tolerant to Sucking Insect Pests Early Maturity Suitablefor Dual Cropping Bollworms | ToleranttoMoistureStress Tolerantto Thrips) Whitefly, Aphids, Tolerant to Sucking Bollworms Insect Pests(Jassids, | Whitefly, Aphids,Thrips) Tolerant to Tolerant to Sucking Insect Pests (Jassids, Early Maturity Good Boll Retention | Jassids and Aphids Medium tolerance to Sucking Pest Such as EarlyMaturityResistanttoBollworms | Pest such asJassids and Aphids Resistant to Bollworms Tolerance to Sucking | Aphids Tolerance to Sucking Pest such as Jassids and Large Boll Size Resistant to Bollworms strength | and Aphids Good Fibre Percentage, Tolerance to Sucking Pest Such as Jassids Early Maturity with Resistant to Bollworms | (FreeFattyAcid) content of above 85% Its low in FFA <2% |

| to (Jassids,Whitefly, Aphids,Thrips)Potential EscapeLateDrySpellSituations | Insect Pests (Jassids, Whitefly,Aphids, Thrips) Capacity Tolerant to Bollworms With Strong ToleranttoWater StressRejuvenation Fibre Strength | Tolerant to Sucking Insect Pests (Jassids, Whitefly, Aphids, Thrips) tolerant to Bollworms | Tolerant to Sucking, Insect Pests (Jassids, Whitefly, Aphids, Thrips) Tolerant to ToleranttoBollworms MoistureStress | EarlyMaturity Early Maturity | Large grain size (6-7 g/100 seeds) Tolerant tobacterial blight ·Matureearlierthanthe (rating score of 3) against the susceptible lines 5-7. Toleranttorustdisease. KATN26 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | 2 | 2 | 2 2 | 2 2 | | | | Us 222 Bg2 | Us 266 Bg2 | Us 255 Bg2 MAHYCO MIC563 | KATPOJO C577 | Makuyu | | | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton Cotton Cotton | Green gram | Guinea grass | | | 23 | 忆 | 5 29 | 32 | 3 |

| | | | L | | 9 | 8 | | | | 34 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | Sorghum | | Maize | Maize | grass Guinea | | Msonga KWS | PASHO KWS | HUMMER | NDUME | SMART | PATO 1 | JASIRI | | DT MAX | Kamel Mazao | Massai | | 2 | 一 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 2 | 3 | | | Ergot, Leaf blight. Score <1.5 · Strong resistance to diseases; Anthracnose, | (E.turcicum) Good cold tolerance Tolerance to leaf blight 50mg/100g | damage Red grains High Calcium: Drought tolerant 88% Bird escaping (12 % bird | Droughttolerant 93% Bird escaping (7% bird damage | Drought tolerant 99.4% Bird escaping (0.6% bird damage | Droughttolerant 95% Bird escaping (5% bird damage) | Drought tolerant 97.5% Bird escaping (2.5% bird damage) 0.05, Rust (RST): 1.49 | (GLS): 1.26, Maize Streak Virus (MSV): Spot =highly susceptible):Blight:1.80, Gray Leaf following =scores (where 1 immune and 5 Resistance to commonfoliar diseaseswith the | Drought tolerant. Early maturing | Droughttolerant Tolerant to rust disease. | systems High tillering capacity Drought tolerant Suitable for silvopastoral |

THETESTS

Table 4 INSTANCES WHERE SEED VARIETIES FAILED DURING AGRO-ECOLOGICAL TRIALS AND REASONS FOR FAILING

usat ae u au pue paas o uoe o alqedde ae peus pue eno dde test.

| and maize late kit) numerical yield advantage over the mean of checks in combined two-year analysis and a declared and confirmed special attribute to be recommended for release. | s s rr yield (for maize except in late kit) and 5% and above (for other crop species e The variety failed in the agro ecological trial because it performed inferior to the mean of checks with a percentage above the mean of checks of berecommendedforrelease. which requires that; release. | -0.52% in the combined two-year analysis. Thus failing to meet the release criteria checksincombinedtwo-yearanalysismusthave10%andabovenumerical yield (for maize except in latekit) and 5% and above (for other crop species and maize late kit) numerical yield advantage over the mean of checks in The variety failed in the agro ecological trial because it performed inferior to the mean of checks with a percentage above the mean of checks of berecommendedforrelease. whichrequiresthat; release. ? | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AGVCHEROKEE | AGVCHEROKEE | KWSIMARA | | | | Sorghum |

Thevarietyfailed in the agro ecological trial because it performed inferior to the

Potato

SOLHY016

SOLHY017

which requires that; mean of checks with a percentage above the mean of checks of The variety failed in the agro ecological trial because it performed inferior to the -44.40% in the combined two-year analysis. Thus failing to meet the release criteria

whichrequires that; mean of checks with a percentage above the mean of checks of -34.13% in the combined two-year analysis. Thus failing to meet the release criteria

berecommendedforrelease. and maize late kit) numerical yield advantage over the mean of checks in yield (for maize except in late kit) and 5% and above (for other crop species combined two-year analysis and a declared and confirmed special attribute to checks in combined two-year analysis must have 10% and above numerical

release. yield of the checks in combined two-year analysis qualify automatically for CRITERIA 1: varieties yielding statistically (P=0.05) better than the mean

berecommendedforrelease. and maize late kit) numerical yield advantage over the mean of checks in checks in combined two-year analysis must have 10% and above numerical o n (o ss s r e combined two-year analysis and a declared and confirmed special attribute to

release. CRITERIA 1: varieties yielding statistically (P=0.05) better than the mean

KENYA PLANT HEALTH INSPECTORATE SERVICE (KEPHIS) HEADQUARTERS

Our Ref: KEPHIS/HQS/1/125/Vol.9

Date: 21st July, 2025

HON. SEN. MUTAHI KAGWE, EGH

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Kilimo House NAIROBI

Dear Sw

Oloolua Ridge,Karen·P.0.8ox49592 Nairobi,Kenya Tel:0206618000/0709891000.Fax:0203536175 E-mail:director@kephis.org·Website:www.kephis.org

RE: STAKEHOLDER SUBMISSIONS ON THE SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES BILL, 2025 (SENATE BILLS N0. 4 OF 2025)

Reference is made to a letter Ref. SEN/DSEC/SCA/CORR/07/2025/277 dated 10th July 2025 on the above subject.

The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bill No. 4 of 2025) was read a First Time in the senate on Wednesday, gth July, 2025 and thereafter stood committed to the Standing committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for consideration.

KEPHIS as a key stakeholder has been invited alongside other stakeheiders to submit representations on the Bill pursuant to the provisions of Article 118 and standing order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders.

Attached, please find a Memorandum on sections of the Bill, which may be conflicting with other existing laws and our considered proposals and recommendations for your consideration.

We loak forward to being invited to make oral submissions.

Yours 193m

33B

PROF. THEOPHILUS MUTUI, PHD MANAGING DIRECTOR

Cc. Principal Secretary State Department for Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture a nd Livestock Development Kilimo House NAIROBI

Hon. J. M. Ngenyenye C ,B.S, Clerk of the Senate P.O.BOX 41842-00100 NAIROBI Clerk.senate@parliamen t.go.ke

Chairman, Standing Committee on Agriculture, Senate Aariculturelfcommittee.s enate@parliament.go.ke

Mr. Peter Mulesi, ClerkAssistant I Mulesi.peter@parliamen t.go.ke

KEPHISMEMORANDUM ONTHEPROPOSEDDRAFTSEEDSANDPLANT VARIETIES (AMENDMENT)SENATEBILLNO.4OF2025

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

Schemesin2oog.TheobjectiveofOECDSchemefor thevarietal certification of seed is to encourage the use of seed of consistently high quality in participating countries. The Scheme authorise use of labels and certificates for seed produced and processed for international trade according to agreed principles.

ThisMemorandumcontainsareviewof thedraftSeedsandPlantVarietiesAct(Amendment) reasons:

1. The OECD Seed Scheme recognises four categories of seed namely Breeders seed; Pre-Basic Seed;Basic Seed and Certified Seed. The proposed introduction of a new category of Standards-based Seed is not recognized under OECD Seed Scheme. This will lead to loss of international credibility meaning Kenyan produced seed will not access international markets thus adversely affecting the economy. 2. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHiS) is the national designated authority for matters relating to seeds and plant variety protection under Section 3A of Seeds and Plant VarietiesAct.TheActprovidesthat theCabinet Secretary(CS) forthe timebeingresponsible for matters relating to Agriculture shall be responsible for the administration of Seeds and Plant Varieties Act. The draft Bill introduces Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) under a different Cabinet Secretary (Investments, Trade and Industry) to administer standard-based in the Gazette, amend the list of crop varieties provided in the Seventh Schedule". It is not clear which CS is being referred to. This will result in legal and regulatory mandate conflicts, duplication, overlaps and confusion in the market thus reducing gains in the push for One Stop to sell counterfeit seeds to farmers thereby undermining Kenya's efforts in enhancing food security and agricultural transformation. 3. The enactment of the Bill will negatively impact on agricultural productivity and export of agricultural produce leading to huge losses in foreign exchange earnings and food insecurity. This is because farmers will not be able to access superior, high yielding seed and planting materials sinceBreeder's novel varietieswill not beprotected byKenya Bureau of Standards. KEPHIS is the designated National Plant Breeders Rights Office (NPBRO) and National Plant importers and exporters. 4. The Proposed Bill Section 10B(3)(c) provides, "Upon receipt of the application, the Bureau shall within sixty days in writing, approve or reject the application. This section when read togetherwithSection 1oC(1)(c)and(d)thatstatesseedvarietiesnotrequiringextensive

agro-ecological trialsimplies approvals will be donebased on laboratory tests ONLY. Thiswill be abigmistakesince environmentalconditionssignificantlyaffect theperformanceof different plant varieties, leading to variations in yield, growth and other traits. Understanding genotype (G)-by-environment (E) interactions (GxE) is crucial for optimizing cropproduction and making informed breeding decisions.For example,Maize varietyH 614 reasonwhyKEPHISconducts agro-ecological trials(National Performance Trials-NPT and Distinctiveness,Uniformity&amp;Stability-DuStrials)whichlasts2seasons(onaverage2years). This timecanbe drasticallyreduced by adoptingirrigationfacilities and modern agricultural production technologies (precision farming techniques,automation and robotics,advanced sensors, drones, and satellite imagery to provide real-time data on crop health and environmental conditions) to enhance efficiency,sustainability and yield.This will enable farmers to optimize resource allocation and minimize waste. In addition, farmers do not have time or resources to conduct these agro-ecological trials and may result in a try and error method, which may prove very costly to them with the potential resulting in food insecurity. Section1oB(5)(c)providesforrenewalofthevarietyregistrationcertificateafterevery5years upon payment of a renewal fee which is not prescribed. This is likely to result to high costs to breedersto maintaintheirvarieties.Thiscostwill bepassed onto farmersresultingtohigher seedprices and no accesstoaffordableseedsespecially forresourcepoorsmall-scalefarmers.

5. Passing of the proposed Bill will result in increased plant breeders' disputes. Currently, breeders,seed companiesandowners ofplantvarieties areinvited byKEPHiSforaJOlNT objecttotheregistrationofavarietyincaseofalleged infringementoftheirplantbreeders' rights.Withtheproposedlaboratorytestsonlylastinglessthan6odays,jointobservations willnotbepossibleandotherbreederswillbedeniedanopportunitytoscrutinize alleged new varieties,which amounts to discrimination contrary to the Constitution of Kenya.

Inconclusion,theKEPHiSAct,SeedsandPlantVarietiesActandobtainingregulationswere enactedaspartofInternationalobligationsandtheyfollowinternationalbestpracticesand standards.TheyarespecificallyalignedtotheInternationalUnionfortheProtectionofNew Varieties of Plants (UPOV), OECD Seed Schemes and the International Seed Testing Association(ISTA)ofwhichKEPHIS is a member onbehalf of theRepublic of Kenya.This expedites the worldwide standardization of seed quality assessment, use of seed of consistentlyhighquality,facilitates seed trading nationally and internationally,and also contributes to food security. lf this Bill ispassed, it will cause confusion in the seed sector, lead to the lowering of seed quality and increased cost of certification without significantly agricultural productivity, food insecurity and a threat to the national security.

INTRODUCTION

ThisMemorandum contains a reviewof the draft Seeds andPlant VarietiesAct(Amendment) Senate Bill No. 4 of 2025 against existing provisions of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, CAP 326. This memorandum respectfully opposes introduction of an additional regulator for seeds and the proposed provisions in the draft Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Amendment) Senate Bill No. 4 of 2025, highlighting its potential negative impact on the performance and responsibilities to seed industry andKenya'sAgriculture at large.

plant protection, seeds, plant varieties, and plant produce to ensure compliance with national and international standards. KEPHIS is designated as the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) and National Plant Breeder Rights Office (NPBRO), streamlining services for seed companies, plant breeders, importers and exporters.

for testing, certification; new variety introductions; seed imports control; harmful crosspollination prevention; grants proprietary rights to plant breeders; establishes a National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources; and creates a Tribunal for appeals. KEPHIS is appointed as the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the administration of this Act.

and toxic residues; advises the government on seed matters; conducts variety testing, seed certification, and quarantine control; sets standards; registers seed merchants; and represents Kenya in international conventions, namely UPOV, OECD seed schemes, and ISTA. KEPHiS's robust governance, efficiency, facilities, and expertise have made it a regional leader in seed regulation, training other African seed authorities.

Achievements:KEPHiShasevaluated and released 1,148newplantvarietieswith a two-year average testing period. In 2024, it certified 68,810 tons of seed through rigorous field inspections, processing, labeling, and sales oversight. Between 2023 and 2024, KEPHIS intercepted 114 tons of fake seeds, leading to 36 court cases and 19 convictions with fines ranging from Kes. 8,00o to Kes.300,000.

Policy Concerns:The proposed Senate Bill introduces an additional regulator to certify standard-based seeds, potentially bypassing KEPHIS's rigorous, national and international aligned standards for releasing high-yielding, resilient and climate-smart varieties. This will create Regulatory Conflicts, Duplication and Overlaps, Delays and Confusion, gaps in regulatory processes, and reducing gains in push for One Stop Service Centre, thereby underminingKenya's effortsin enhancingfoodsecurity and agricultural transformations.

This Memorandum therefore identifies critical issues in the draft Bill, justifying the policy concerns asstated in theTablebelow.

| Justification | s r of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, which designates to KEPHIS.Implementation of the currentAct falls under Livestock Development. The draft Bill introduces a confusion. It will be extremely difficult for two (2) The international best practice, is to have seeds registration and seed certification. KEPHIS is the focal o e so se e The Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, Section 3B supports seed industry self-regulation via Authorization of Seed Expertsto enhanceservicedelivery andreducecosts. functions National Seed Authority by other Nations. certification regulators to oversight seed sector. registration and· seed Jurisdictionalconflict. and international | e d s sg release ofvarieties on the basis of food security and Duplication and overlap with existing functions | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | KEPHIS Comment | the on seeds and plant under KEPHIS in the of and Development. Agriculture functions varieties ministry Livestock Retain | the proposed provision. Delete | | Amendment Proposed | standard-basedseed registration system tobeadministered by the Kenya Bureau of standards (KEBS) Establishment | for Registration of seed under Application varieties | | Sectionin the draft | Section 10A(1) | Section 10B(1-3) | | Title | Seed Registration Standards Based system | Application Registration for | | No. | | 2 |

| Justification | national interest. The Seeds and Plant Varieties Act section 7-9 provides for the release of plant varieties. The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Variety Evaluation and forquick release of varieties of national interest such as Climate allowing with harmonized regulations, resilientvarieties. | (germination, purity, noxious weeds are seed quality s o so s l parameters not used during variety evaluation). farmers. | This provision is adequately covered in The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Plant Variety Evaluation and Release) e dealers should not be a basis for withdrawal of a variety. varieties from the national variety list. Duplication the | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Comment KEPHIS | the provisions in the Seeds and Plant varietiesActand expanding exemption regulations Consider | the provision Delete | provision Delete | | Proposed Amendment | Based registration system standards | registration Prescription renewal fees variety | for not standards during varietypost market monitoring found revocation registration certificate Provision varieties meeting | | Section in the draft | | Section 10B(4-5) | Section 10B(6) | | No.Title | | Application Registration for 3 | Application Registration for |

| Justification | The first schedule under under crops put under theireconomic subset of the 152 crops in Schedule 1. The remaining 114 crops do not require NPT tests for registration but DUS only one inspection is required. Many of the crops proposed under Seventh Schedule of the Bill can be KEPHIS has accredited 52 private inspectors to enable (Explicit n Testing Laboratories in Kiambu, Nakuru and Kitale a more efficient and cheaper certification of.seeds. Duplication and overlap with existing functions. schedule registered and certified in a similar manner. authorities regulation 6 (2) has a list of 38 ( dueto second relevant certification provides 2 schedules. The with certification. consultation compulsory Kitale. for the seeds and Plant Varieties Act to explicitly include | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Comment KEPHIS | the government consultation provision Delete Review County | | Amendment Proposed | Introduction of the seventh schedule for be according standards- seed Testing bythe in with registration system to Establishment laboratories consultation Governments crops certified the Service County based Seed 19 to | | Section in the draft | Section 11 Section New Seed Testing | | Title | 10C (1) Insertionof newSchedule Stations seven | | No. | 5 6 |

| Justification | Rapid variety release implemented under the Seeds different (precision farming adaptability at and Plant Varieties Act performance and technologies | that the average time for release of varieties is now 2 m minimum duration required for testing of varieties for agro- udope a panau resep aq ue siea z jo techniques, automation and robotics, advanced sensors, drones, health and environmental conditions) to enhance KEPHIS also leverages on obtaining variety release data from other countries with similar agro-ecology and harmonized regulations to fast-track the release r s i (e Care should be taken to ensure that variety release process does not fall out of sync with regional and international practices, thus limiting market access. certification to private inspectors and private seed testing laboratories for more efficient services. efficiency, sustainability and yield. released in the last two years. process. to new | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Comment KEPHIS | The Seeds and Varieties be Act should reviewed Plant | documentsome technologies the currently employed 如 | | Amendment Proposed | amendment seeksto address the inefficiencies in the seed process to delays, averaging four years, hindered access'to led has significant This current approval which farmers' and | quality and climate- seed This will create a flexible and regulatory that facilitates the timely seed promotes innovationinseed and farmers' access to affordable climate-smart seeds to ensure food and agricultural growth. of development amendment framework varieties, sustainable resilient varieties. efficient approval enhances security and | | Section in the draft | 93. Statement the Objects Page and of | Reasons of the Bill | | Title | m of Objects Memorandu and Reasons | | | No. | | |

| | The Government offersPlant Health services,Variety | releaseandSeed Certificationservicesunderoneroof | | | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------|--------| | Comment | Seed | under | in roof | | | | Retain | services | one | KEPHIS | | | Amendment the draft | | | | | Section inProposed | General | | | | | Justification | | | | | | KEPHIS | | | | | | | | Comment | | | | Title | | | | | | No. | | | | | | | 8 | | | |

AGRICULTURALDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

P.O.BOX47101-00100,DEVELOPMENTHOUSE,TEL:2250695/185,020-3315746 NAIROBI

RESPONSE TOTHESENATEDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEEON AGRICULTURELIVESTOCKANDFISHERIES

AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION(ADC)

Reference is made to the invitation for submission of memorandum via the press on 17th July, 2025 regarding the Seed and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

a Government agency established through an Act of Parliament of 1986(Chapter 444 of the Laws of Kenya). The Corporation supports the agriculture sector by ensuring the local establishment in 1965. Through execution of its mandate, the Corporation promotes the production of Kenya's essential agricultural inputs including seeds and pedigree livestock breeds. Seed crops include seed maize, seed potato, seed wheat, barley, seed grass, canola among others. Seed companies are key in enhancing food security by providing high-quality, certified seeds that lead to increased agricultural productivity and resilience.

SEEDANDPLANTVARIETIES(AMENDMENT)BILL,2025

The importance of seed in agriculture cannot be overstated, it is the foundational input that determines the potential of any crop and seed is directly linked to crop productivity, a crucial basis of food security. As a seed producer, the Corporation plays a crucial role 1lPage

Honourable Chair, I beg to proceed to respond as follows:

in the agricultural value chain by ensuring the development, multiplication, certification, and distribution of quality seeds to farmers, which meet national standards through seed testing and certification programs stipulated in the Seed and Plant Varieties Act Cap 326.

Honorable chair, the Corporation does this in collaboration with government seed certification body KEPHIS, who ensure quality control, prevention and spread of diseases, intellectual property rights for the hybrid seed varieties we produce. KEPHIS has effectively carried out seed certification, inspection, laboratory testing and regulatory enforcement to the Corporation and otherstakeholders.

Honorable chair, an autonomous seed certification system is fundamental in building a robust, trustworthy, and transparent seed sector. This system is required to operate quality by seed producers, promotes fair trade to consumers, protects farmers, and contributes directly to food security. Over the years, there has been a smooth operation in seed certification, where KEPHIS has ensured certification that required seed by seed producers to meet standards of varietal identity, purity, germination rate, and health. This has been verified through field inspections, lab testing, processing, labelling, and post-control surveys. As seed companies, we have adhered to set regulations ensuring seed quality is maintained, and the end consumer getting quality seeds, a relationship that hasbeenbuilt a sustain trust in certified seedsystems.

Honourable chair, introducing a parallel registration system under KEBS as proposed amendment, risks creating regulatory overlap and duplication, confusing farmers and reducing clarity on where to obtain certified seeds. In addition, the proposed KEBS led path could undermine seed quality controls and expose farmers to fraud.

The critical basis of the Seeds andPlantVarietiesAct inKenya, isto regulate transactions in seeds and plant varieties to ensure quality, prevent fraud, and protect breeders plant varieties, as well as mechanisms for controlling the introduction and importation of new varieties. KEPHIS has agricultural scientists, plant pathologists, entomologists, and inspectors trained in seed testing and pest/disease diagnostics who strategically support the Corporation and other seed companies produce high quality seeds.

Honourable chair,allowingproducerstoself-certifyorberegulated outside this system risks flooding the market with counterfeit or substandard seeds, which KEPHIS has worked alongside seed companies to identify culprits selling fake seed to the farmers and repeatedly condemned their efforts that undermining food security in the country. KEPHIS actively investigates counterfeit seed networks reported by seed companies, partners with police to seize fake seeds, and provides farmers with a scratch-and-verify sticker mechanism, which has enhanced seed traceability.

Honourable chair, as a core Government seed producer entrusted by several stakeholders and farmers, it is logical to maintain a sole seed certification authority, responsible for inspections, testing, labelling, and enforcement in seed production of all crops for food stability in thecountry

Honorable chair, it is finally emphasized that:

• 1.An autonomous seed certification system as provided in the Seed and Plant Variety Act Cap 326, safeguards seed quality, promotes fair trade, protects farmers, and contributes directly to food security, a role KEPHIS has been dedicated to over the years. To be most effective, such a system should be supported by legal frameworks, adequate funding, skilled personnel, and strong linkages with research institutions and regulatory bodies. KEBS on the other hand has a divergent broad mandate (manufacturing, construction, food safety), that is not scientific and not in agricultural food production which may lead to regulatory overlaps, confusion and further delays in inspection

2. Seed certification requires specialised and technical expertise in breeding, agronomy, seed testing, field inspections and processing. A standard based seed system focuses on general product standards across multiple enterprises and may lack the technical and scientific basis of certification process. Amending the Seed and Plants variety act would mean replacing KEPHIS and losing specialized capacity in agriculture, especially in quarantine and pest control, GMO trials and biosafety and compromising seed quality, varietal purity and farmer trust.

• 3.TheSeed andPlantsVarietyActCap326isaligned incompliancewithother International Standards such as the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), which has built strategic partnerships that have made certified seeds acceptable in regional and international markets. Diluting this role, disrupt confidence and build mistrust of the agricultural produce andcertified seeds abroad,hindering trade

opportunities and developmental partnerships for seed companies and the country as a whole.

This Committee is respectfully urged to re-examine the proposed amendment and consider supporting the ongoing automation of seed certification processes. This includes expediting inspection services by KEPHIS and facilitating the accreditation of private sector inspectors. These measures will enhance the efficiency and credibility of seed andbuild farmers' trust in locallyproduced certified seeds.

YoursSincerely

DR.WILSON TONUI MANAGINGDIRECTOR

WT/JO

for farmers' access to genuine, high-quality seeds.

to improve Kenya's seed sector through public-private partnerships, regional trade facilitation, and sustained advocacy STAK Supports ethical standards, technology adoption, and compliance among sector players. Lastly, STAK continues for the removal of VAT on vegetable seeds and address land and regulatory issues affecting seed production and trade. contribute the development and introduction of seed sticker labels to combat counterfeit seeds. We continuously advocate key industry players to shape seed policies, laws, and certification systems. We promote regional seed trade and STAK partners with government bodies (Ministry of Agriculture, KEPHIS and The National Biosafety Authority) and serves as a benchmark for other African associations.

discussions. It is the lead national seed association in East Africa and COMESA, that established and hosts AFSTA; and Association (AFSTA), and the International Breeders Committee, positioning Kenya at the center of global seed trade STAK holds board positions in international bodies like the International Seed Federation (ISF), The African Seed Trade bring technologies to farmers. elected by members, and guided by an Executive Committee, STAK works with all actors along the seed value chain to champions access to high-quality seed to enhance food security and address climate challenges. Governed by a Board well as other agricultural players. With over 70 member companies controlling over 90% of the formal seed sector, STAK STAK is Kenya's national umbrella association of companies producing, distributing, and marketing certified seeds, as

ABOUTSTAK(SEEDTRADEASSOCIATIONOFKENYA)

STAKMEMORANDUMONTHESEEDSANDPLANTVARIETIESAMENDMENTBILL,2025

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | No. | |------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | Services Act No. 54 of 2012. | Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate | in Kenya established under the | 1. KEPHIS is the sole regulator of seed | CURRENTPROVISION | | | | | | | | | | | section 3 of the Standards Act; | | | | PROPOSEDAMENDMENT | | mandate of KEPHIS. Introducing two | KEBS, yet they are currently under the | seed merchant with the Service” (KEPHIS), | Section 10B(2)(c) still refers to “registered | KEPHIS. | explain how its role integrates (if at all) with | administrator of the system, but does not | Section 10A and 10B establish KEBS as the | inefficiency. | Cap. 326), risking duplication and | of Standards established under and technical mandate of KEPHIS (as per | Bureau" means the Kenya Bureauassurance to KEBS conflicts with the legal | Under section 2 of the Bill-Assigning seed registration and quality | JUSTIFICATION/COMMENTS |

PARTA:COMMENTS ON THEBILL

Following the call for submissions, STAK makes the following submissions:

| prescribed under this Act. | meet minimum quality | registration of seed varieties that | Bureau for the approval and | system to be administered by the | standard based seed registration | through field trials and approvals. based registration system. | KEPHIS administers certification | | | | | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------------------------------| | process should be streamlined to make it more The KEPHIS variety testing and release | standards evaluating its effectiveness. | support low-investment crops) without | Standard Certified Seed Class (intended to | The Bill appears to replace the existing | | which promotes access to affordable and | Establishment of the standardThe Billaddresses lengthy approval timelines | seed merchants. | KEPHIS) would be required for varieties and | whether KEPHIS retains any oversight or if | Unclear Roles: The Bill does not clarify | and delays. | inefficiency, conficting decisions, confusion |

| irrespective of the intended use. | same registration system | | | | | | (DUS). Uniformity and Stability tests | Trials (NPT) and Distinctness, | includedNational Performance | KEPHIS for seed trials. This processregister a seed variety under the | registration are submitted to10B. (1) A person who intends to | 3.Applications for seed variety | | | | | |--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | 10C, Seventh Schedule) | | valid for 5 years, renewable. | sample. The registration Certificate | noxious weeds, and a reference seed | genetic distinctness, absence of | with evidence of germination rates, | the Bureau in the prescribed form. | | | | | Application for registration | | | | | | suitable crops. The list excludes hybrids, | standards-based system (Sectionresilience by enabling quicker access to | | | | | An application is made to KEBSexpertise and resources to handle variety registration and certification effectively. | members.KEBS currently lacks the technical | system shall submit an application tomonitor effectively remains a concern for our | standards-based seed registrationHowever, KEBS’ capacity to evaluate and | seeds. | pathway for the release of climate smart | The proposed registration process is faster | varieties. process, ensuring timely access to improved | companies and accelerate the certification | should be upgraded to better serve seed | The KEPHIS online certification systems |

| | | | | parties. | open to examination by interested | | lot samples are officially sampled in post-market control activities. Seed | 5. | | | | | | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | post-market. | registration if standards are violated Empowers KEBSto revoke | sample submitted at registration. | does not match the reference seed | detects a counterfeit variety that | where post-market monitoring | pre- and post-control plots and are revoke a certificate of registration | (Section 10B (6)) -The Bureau may monitoring | KEPHIS performs pre-market and Strengthened | | sunflowers, sorghum). | pigeon peas, beans, millet, | | | applies to specified low-risk, | The | | where counterfeit seed is found in the market. provided for an aggrieved party in the Bill | There is currently no avenue for appeal actors. | distribution of seed is supported by numerous | crime should be considered as the | proportionality-thepunishment should fit the | registered seed companies. The “doctrine of | introduced by unregistered actors rather than | companies, as counterfeit seed is often registration appears punitive seed | post-marketThe proposed provision on revocation of | objectives of the Bill. | runner bean which align with the stated but omits Forage Sorghum, groundnut and | The Seventh Schedule lists Grain Sorghum | listed in Seventh Schedule (e.g., and canola are largely hybrids. | domestic, climate-resilient cropsThe listed crops such as sorghum, sunflower, | trials. | standards-based registrationexport-bound seeds, or those needing full |

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 9 | | | | | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | | | systems. scope of crops eligible for specific | 7.There is no flexibility to adjust | season of certification. | varieties in their first and second | seed, higher seed classes and | authorized persons except basic | some aspects of seed certification to | 2016-The Service may authorize | Palnts Varieties (Seeds)Regulations | Under section 10 of the Seeds and | seed companies. | and approved labs ran by authorised | Seed Testing is done by KEPHIS | | | | | | by Gazette notice. | | (Section 10C (2))-The Cabinet | to amend the list of eligible crops | The power of the Cabinet Secretary | | | | | | from KEPHIS. | seed testing stations with support framework, | Counties are mandated to establishcapacity and credibility within the regulatory | (Amendment of Section 11)- | County-level seed testing stations | | | | | | eligible crops. | Secretary may amend eligible crops is crucial to avoid arbitrary changes of the | tproper stakeholder inclusion and consultation | ssystem to adapt to emerging needs. However, | This flexibilityallows thestandard-based | | | | | seed markets. | competitiveness in regional and international | supporting Kenya's | in line with ISO/IEC 17025 to enhance | | Allow independent seed testing laboratories | actions beyond their control. | companies are not unduly penalized for | safeguards to ensure that registered | Include clear appeal mechanisms and |

Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement).

(Amendment) Bill, 2025 should safeguard Kenya's access to both domestic and export seed markets, in line with the objectives of the the Constitution of Kenya, which enshrines public participation as a national value. The reforms under the Seeds and Plant Varieties ensuring that regulatory formulation and implementation reflect the realities of the seed sector, as envisaged under Article 10(2)(a) of Effective stakeholder engagement, particularly through coordination with the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK), is essential to tracking of the process; including robustness and flexibility to open up seed market opportunities.

Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing for hybrids and high-value crops under Cap. 326 should be retained but with fast to the KEPHIS technical team for review and approval. At the same time, the current rigorous National Performance Trials (NPT) and seed companies preparing comprehensive technical descriptions and performance data for each variety and submitting this information Rather than adopting a purely standards-based variety release system, a more effctive and globally-aligned approach would involve

Recommendations

registration system.

underthestandards-basedseed forms, and fees for applications Section 10C 4 (a) the procedures,

of theAct.

• make regulations to provide for;

regulations and thereafter the implementation under Cap consultation with the Bureau,|joint committee to oversee the drafting of

8.The Regulations were catered for The Cabinet Secretary shall, inWe recommend that STAK be included in the

Chairman-Board of Directors: Seed Trade association of Kenya

WellingtoneMaakaWasike

Kind Regards, We respectfully submit these recommendations for consideration by the Senate on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill,2025.

approval, consistent with internationally recognized practices such as those of the OECD Seed Schemes and UPOV 1991 Convention. to prepare comprehensive technical descriptions and performance data for each variety, submitting these to KEPHIS for review and Finally, rather than adopting a purely standards-based variety release system, a globally aligned approach would require seed companies regulatory conflict, inefficiency, and erosion of stakeholder confidence.

Billis commendable and arguably overdue, a more inclusive, technically sound, and sector-aligned approach is recommended to mitigate in practice or can be improved before it is discarded, to avoid undermining the integrity of Kenya's seed system. While the intent of the We urge you to critically evaluate the Standard Seed Class provided for under existing regulations to determine whether it has failed WestlandsDeltaHouse2ndFloor,WaiyakiWay. P.O.B0X40401-00100, Nairobi.

OurRef:C0G/6/48Vol.69(85)

6th August 2025

TheClerkoftheSenate P.O.B0X41842-00100

Tel:(020)2403314,2403313 E-mailinfo@cog.go.ke

ParliamentBuildings Nairobi,Kenya

PLANTVARIETY(AMENDMENT)BILL(SENATEBILLNO.4OF2025)

The Council of Governors (CoG) acknowledges receipt of your letter Ref: SE/DSEC/CORR/o7/2025/291invitingtheCounciltoparticipateinstakeholderengagement on the Seed and Varieties(amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2025).

We appreciate the opportunity accorded to the Council to contribute to this important legislative process.However,due to unavoidable previously scheduled activities,the Council regrets its inability to attend the stakeholder engagement activity scheduled for 7thAugust2025.

We hereby request to appear before the committee on the Thursday 2ist August 2o25,to allowtheCouncil to effectivelyprepareandmeaningfullycontributeto thediscussionson theBill.

Weremain committed to engaging constructivelywith theSenate to ensure that the proposed amendments to the Act align to the constitution and solve farmers challenges.

Wethankyouforyourcontinuedcooperationandlookforwardtoyourfavourable consideration.

DEC

Uendly dea

Mary Mwiti,EBS Chief Executive Officer

S9t/s0/to

Copy: Hon.Rt Kenneth Lusaka, EGH, Chairperson, Agriculture and Qivestogk Cgmmittee

WIes

3 0 JUL 2025

DIRECTORCOMMITTERSERVICE

(DSEC)

Westlands-Delta House2ndFloor,WaiyakiWay. P.O.B0X40401-00100, Nairobi..

Tel:(020)2403314,2403313 E-mail:info@cog.go.ke

Our Ref: 6/48 Vol.69

THE SENATE RECE!VED

24th July 2025

J.M Nyegenye, CBS

2 9 JUL 2025

ClerkoftheSenate TheSenate Clerk's Chambers

JPpum

DEPUTY CLERK

NAIROBI

D(BL)

Dear Clerk,

deal

SUBMISSIONONTHESEEDSANDPLANTVARIETNES(AMENDMENT)SENATEBILL NO.4OF2025

The above subject matterrefers.

The Council of Governors acknowledges receipt of your letter referenced SEN/DSE/SCA/cORR/o7/2025/278dated1othJuly2025,forwarding theSeeds and Plant Varieties(Amendment)Senate Bill No.4 of 2o25 for our review and comments.We appreciate.theSenate'scontinuedcommitmenttostrengthening Kenya's agricultural sector through sound legislation.

Upon'reviewingtheBill,theCouncilproposesthefollowingrecommendationsto ensure its alignment with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 particularly the Fourth Schedule on the division'of functions between the National and County Governments and to safeguard the integrity of Kenya's seed sector.

• a 1)IntroductionofParallelSeedCertificationSystem:TheBillproposesto introduce the Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS)as an implementing agency fora standards-based seed certification system, alongside the Kenya Plant'Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), which currently holds the legal mandate for seed certification,variety release,and phytosanitary regulation.

Seedcertification isa complex,technical,andscientificprocess that must adhere to international best practices to ensure the quality, traceability, and safetyofseedsusedbyKenyanfarmers.We thereforeopine that introducing analternative parallel certification regime undermines this integrity and presents significant regulatory risks. This duplication.and overlap of mandatemay exposefarmersto low quality seeds aswell impact on the countryfoodsecurity.

• b)Limited Reflection of Devolution:The proposedBill doesnotconsider the essentialroles thatCountyGovernmentsplayinseeddissemination, extension services, andlocal seedsystem development.
• Being cognizantof theimplementation of Cabinet decision to mergeKenya Plant Health InspectorateService and theNationalBio-safetyAuthority.ltis therefore,paramountthattheamendmentsbeingmadearehalteduntil the mergeriscompleted.

Inview of the above,the Council recommends.that thefunction of seed certification,includingstandards-basedcertification,shouldremainthe exclusive responsibility of KEPHIS,as provided for under Section 5 of the KEPHIS Act.KEBS maycontinuetoprovideinputonapplicable'standardsincollaborationwithKEPHIS but should not be assigned implementation or certification functions under the SeedsandPlantVarietiesAct.

We alsorecommendedacomprehensivereviewoftheSeedsandPlantVarieties Act,Cap326 to align itwith theConstitutionby recognizing theroles of County Governments inseed dissemination,extensionservices,andlocal seedsystems, accreditation of county seed inspectors,support for community seed banks,and mandatoryannual reportingbyKEPHIStoNational andCountyGovernments.

Weremaincommittedtosupportingsoundlegislativereformsthatpromotea robustandcoordinatedseedsector.

Please accept assuranceofourhighestesteem and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

MaryMwiti,EBS ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Copy:All Excellency Governors

All CEcMsincharge ofAgriculture

AllCountyAttorneys

July 28, 2025

The Clerkof theSenate ParliamentofKenya P.O.Box41842-00100,Nairobi Windy

Cc:agriculturelfcommittee.senate@parliament.go.ke

Email:clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke

RE:THE SEEDS AND PLANTVARIETIES (AMENDMENT)BNL,2025

Asabusinessthathasastronginterestinthegrainssectorofkenyaduetoouruse in our poultry units I would like to wholeheartedly add my support to the adoption of this bill.

Twould liketoendorsethebillcurrentlybeforethesenate,"TheSeedsandPTant Varieties(Amendment)bill,2025.

The high cost of grains essentially comes from the high cost of production coupled with regionally (East Africa) low yields. This has put the Kenyan intensive fed industries such as poultry and pigs at a competitive disadvantage.

Iwouldnotethatanumberofcountriesthathaveverystrongagriculturaleconomies also have seed systems such as is being proposed within this bill.

Therearemanycountriesthatoperatebothcertifiedaswellasstandards-based systemssidebysidesuchasIndia,Australia,andUsAplusothers.

One deficiency I see in this bill is the absence of Maize and Soya which is so import for the poultry and pig sector.

I fully endorse KEBS as the oversight agency to ensure quality seed is available to all Kenyan farmers who are suppling feed grains to Kenya's intensive feed industries.

Kenyan agri-businesses need our regulatory systems to be more modern and this bill moves us in theright direction.

Regards,

KENCHIC PLC P.O. Box 20052-00200 Tel:+254703056000/722202163 NAIROBI

Jim Tozer Managing Director

ALPHARAMA LIMITED

P.O.Box 167-00204,AthiRiver-Kenya.Tel:+254.723.595400-/0736201140E-mail: info@alpharama.co.ke

To The Clerkofthe Senate, P.O Box 41842-00100, Nairobi. 21st July 2025.

Dear Sir,

RE:SUBMIISSIONONTHEPUBLICPARTICIPATIONSEEDS&amp;PLANT VARIETIES(Amendment)BILL,2025.

Alpharamalimitedis a Tanning industry based inAthiRiverKenya.As aTanning industrywe collect hides and skinsfrommost parts of thecountry andprocess tofinished leather. TheSeeds andPlantVarieties(Amendment)Bill,2025,aims tostreamlineseedvarietyregistration process inKenya,potentially boosting access toclimate-resilient seedsfor farmers.Thiswill enhance

foodsecurity,increasefarmer incomes,andpromote sustainablefarmingpractices.

AlpharamaLimitedSupports theBill.

• Therewill befaster access toimproved seedswhich areclimateresilient and highyield seeds varieties.These seeds exhibit better tolerance to drought,heat,flooding,and soil salinity, enablingfarmers to cultivate cropsin areaswhere conventionalvarietiesstruggle.Some climate-resilientvarietiesarebred tohavehighernutritional content,addressingmalnutrition concerns andimprovingfoodquality.Improvednutrientuseefficiency allowsfor higher yields with less fertilizer, reducing input costs for farmers.
• By facilitating access toimproved seeds, the bill could contribute to increased agricultural productivity and food securityin the country.Cover crops/grassesincrease organicmatter through rootbiomass anddecomposition,which improves soil structure and water retention. Their roots also help reduce soil erosion by holding the soil in place and improving water infiltration.Additionally, cover crops can help manage nutrients, with some species being able to scavenge excess nutrients or fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making them available for future crops.
• Theproposedparallelregistrationsystem aims tostreamline the approval process and reduce theburden onfarmers and seed developers.

29/077

moe

Mr·Mules

2g 107121

Conclusion.

By adapting the proposed bill, this will help remove unnecessary delays, improves efficiency and

YoursSincerely

P..≤人ap

Dr.P.V SambasivaRao-EGH Managing Director

ENATE

RECEIVED

3 0 2025

ON THE SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025:C). DIRECTORCOMMITTEESERVICES

MEMORANDUMBYLAKEREGIONFOODSYSTEMSNETWORK(LRFSN)

Date: 29th July, 2025

To

The Clerkof Senate P.O.B0X41842-00100 NAIROBI,KENYA

Attention:Honourable ChairpersoHandAembers,

Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries

1. Introduction

Lake Region Food Systems Network (LRFSN), a regional CSO coalition focused on the right to food, sustainable agriculture, farmer rights, and inclusive governance, welcomes the opportunity to submit its position on the Seeds and Plant Varieties-(Amendment) Bill, 2025. We recognize the government's intentions to improve access to certified seeds especially climate-resilient varieties-and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in seed approvals. However, several proposals in the Bill raise grave concerns with far-reaching implications for farmer rights, biodiversity, seed sovereignty, and institutional integrity.

2.Background and Context

The Amendment Bill proposes the introduction of a standards-based seed registration system under the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), shifting key responsibilities from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).It also promotes self-regulation regime.

While the intentions include reducing delays (currently averaging up to four years) in seed variety approval,theBill as drafted threatenstoderegulate essentialpublic oversight,weaken scientific and regulatory rigor, and marginalize indigenous and community-managed seq systems.

3.GapsIdentified in the Bill

a)Threat toFarmer and IndigenousRights

• 3.1 The Bill does not recognize community seed systems,indigenous varieties,or traditional knowledge.
• 3.2 It fails to reflect Kenya's constitutional obligations under Article 11(3)(b) and 'S6 u: g Article 69(1), which require the protection of indigenous knowledge and biodiversity.
• 3.3 Without explicit recognition, farmer-managed seeds remain vulnerable to exploitation and exclusionfromformal markets.

b)Fragmentation of Regulatory Oversight

• 3.4 The transfer of seed certification functionsfromKEPHIS toKEBS creates an institutional gap.
• 3.5 KEPHIS is a specialized agency with decades of experience in seed testing, phytosanitary regulation, and varietal registration.
• 3.6 KEBS, while responsible for national product standards, lacks the technical, fieldbased infrastructure and specialized staff for seed oversight.

c) Encouragement of Private Sector Self-Regulation

• 3.7 Allowing seed companies to self-regulate labelling and quality claims poses a seriousrisktofarmerprotection.
• 3.8 It creates a power imbalance where private actors may act without independent oversight,and smallholderfarmershavelimited accesstoredress or accountability mechanisms.
• 3.9 In a sector critical to food security, public regulation must remain central.

d) Limited Definition of Eligible Crops for Standard-Based System

• 3.10 The list of crops eligible under the new system, as provided in the Seventh Schedule, lacks representation of traditional crops, local varieties, and neglected indigenous food crops.
• 3.11There is no indication of stakeholder consultations in determining this list, excluding crops crucial for community resilience and food sovereignty.

e)LackofRedressMechanismforFarmers

• 3.12TheBill omits a clearlegal frameworkforfarmer compensation or complaint resolution in cases of seed failure, mislabelling, or quality defects.
• 3.13This undermines the consumer protection rights of farmers and especially affectsthosewithlimited accesstolegalservices.

4. Justifications forProposed Changes

• 4.1 Institutional Expertise: KEPHIS has developed advanced regulatory frameworks, lab facilities, and professional capacity to handle seed governance, whichKEBS currently lacks.
• 4.2 Protection of Biodiversity: Indigenous and farmer-managed seed systems preserve agro-biodiversity, critical for climate resilience and food sovereignty.
• 4.3 Risk of Market Capture: Deregulating the system could lead to market domination by a few large seed companies, limiting farmers' choices and promoting monocultures.
• 4.4 Farmer Rights and Food Security: The Constitution guarantees the right to food (Article 43), which is inseparable from access to affordable, diverse, and highquality seeds. Robust public oversight is essential to uphold this right.

5.Recommendations

a) Retain KEPHIS as the Lead Seed Regulatory Authority

• 5.1 KEPHIS should continue managing all technical and regulatory functions, including variety registration, quality assurance, and post-market monitoring.
• 5.2Itsremovalfrom thisrolewoulddestabilize asector thatdemandsscientific accuracy and trusted institutions.

b) Reject KEBS as Administrator of Seed Certification

• 5.3KEBS should not oversee seed registration, but may play a limited supportive role in standardization of packaging or labeling.
• 5.4 Its mandate and infrastructure are not designed for biological systems or fieldbased certification processes.

c) Legally Recognize and Protect Community Seed Systems

• 5.5 The Bill should include new provisions safeguarding indigenous seed varieties, farmer-led breeding, and local seed sharing systems.
• 5.6 This aligns with Article 11 of the Constitution and promotes resilience, diversity, and sustainability in farming systems.

d) Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms

• 5.7 Mandatory third-party verification of all seed varieties and labels should remain
• 5.8 Create accessible, independent grievance and redress mechanisms that farmers can turn to when harmed by substandard or misrepresented seeds.

e)Review the SeventhScheduleThrough Stakeholder Consultations

• 5.9 The list of crops eligible for the standards-based system must be reviewed through participatory consultation with smallholder farmers, indigenous communities,CsOs,researchers,and agroecologypractitioners.
• 5.10 The current-list is narrow and does notreflect the diversity of Kenya'sfood systems.

f)Introduce a Farmer Compensation Clause

• 5.11Add a provision requiring mandatory compensation or restitution in cases where registered seed fails to meet germination, purity, or yield expectations.
• 5.12This promotes trust in the seed system and aligns with broader consumer. protection principles.

6.Conclusion

The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill,2025,while seeking to address delays in seed variety approval,introduces significant constitutional,ecological and socioeconomic risks that could erode seed sovereignty, ecological diversity, and farmer protection.The Bill must be re-drafted to realign with Kenya's constitutional values,promote inclusive governance of seed systems, and preserve the institutional integrity of key regulatory agencies.

The Lake Region Food Systems Network (LRFSN) strongly urges the Senate to:

• Reject the transferofseedregistrationresponsibilities toKEBS,
• Reaffirm KEPHiS's role as the principal seed regulatory body,
• Legally recognize indigenous and community seed systems, and
• Establish stronger oversight, redress, and farmer protection frameworks in thelaw.

The proposals presented by LRFSN are intended to support a more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable seed policy framework that upholds the rights of all Kenyans. These reforms will help Kenya move toward a seed system that is inclusive, just, accountable,climate-resilient,and farmer-centred.

Signed:

LakeRegionFood SystemsNetwork (LRFSN) Date:29th July,2025

MEMORANDUMDATEDAT. ..29THDAY OFJULY,2025

| S/N 0 | NAME OF PETITIONERS | ORGANIZATION | ID NUMBER | |---------|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------| | 1 | Ezekiel Odeoh | MwalieHealth Cbo/Bcsf | 11658967 | | 2 | Evans.Muswahili | Association.Of Social Entrepreneurs In Vihiga.. | 200180130 | | 3 | Edward Anyanda | Kakamega County StakeholdersAssociation | 0154468 | | 4 | Maureen Adhiambo | Kisumu Disability Support Organization | 24105370 | | 5 | Wycliffe Odanga | GloryHealth And Nature Organization | 13199234 | | 6 | Grace Onacha | Rural Focus Initiative | 9358623 | | 7 | Millicent Adede | Action For Children Development Centre | 7290002 | | 8 | Sammy Mugita | Jifahamu Kenya Foundation | 10725397 | | 9 | Naomi Amwai | Bugamangi DisableWelfare Group. | 30694892 | | 10 | Hellen Agesa | Migori Echoes Of Mercy Cbo | 28889767 | | 15 | Consolata Norbert | The Mango Tree Trust Kenya | 12458399 | | 16 | Denis Mudhune | Yala Imarisha Jamii | 3816802. | | | Fatma Ondicho | Freedon Dev. And Progress Cbo. | 29714269 |

Subject·MEMORAMDUM OF SEEDSACTCAP326AMMENDEMENT BILL 2025

From

PerishaEnterprises&lt;perishaenterprises@gmail.com&gt;

To

clerk senate &lt;clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke&gt;

Date

MondayJuly28,20257:21:05PM

THE SENATE

Find attached.

RECFVED

Regards,

2 9 JUL 2025

Silas Chebon.

Farmer.

DEPUTY CLERK

Attachments MEMORANDUM.pdf(111kB)

dend

sim

PDSECBL

TIESENATE

RECEIVED

3 0 JUL 2025

Mw·Mwiesi'

(DSEC)

dea

30709125

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT:OPPOSITIONTOTHESENATEBILLONALTERNATIVESEED CERTIFICATIONSYSTEMINKENYA

To:CLERK,SENATEOFKENYA

From:SILASCHEBON

Date: 28THJULY,2025

The proposed Senate Bill on Alternative Seed Certification in Kenya poses significant risks to the country's seed industry,food security,and farmers'livelihoods.I strongly advise against its progression.

Key Concerns:

• 1.Compromised Seed Quality:Alternative certification systemsmay prioritizeprofit over quality, potentially leading to the distribution of low-quality seeds that could compromise crop yields and food security.
• 2.UnderminingExistingRegulations:The bill could undermine the existingregulatory framework,whichhasbeen established to ensureseed quality andsafety.This couldlead to regulatory confusion and inconsistency.
• 3.RisktoFarmers:Farmersmaybeexposed tocounterfeitoradulteratedseeds,whichcould result in significant economic losses and decreased trust in the seed industry.
• 4.Negative Impact onKenya's Reputation:Allowing alternative certification systems could damageKenya'sreputation as a reliableproducer of high-quality seeds,potentially impacting exportsand the country's agricultural sector as a.whole..
• 5.TheproposedBill isitself acomplain about time whichis aninternal issue and it can be addressed byimproving thenewseed automation systememployedby.the organization. However,it seems also there is a confusionbetween the time takenfor a newvariety to be releasedandcertificationofalreadyreleasedvarieties.

Recommendations:

• 1.Reject the Bill:Iurgeyou toreject the SenateBill onAlternative Seed Certificationin Kenya due to the potential risks it poses.
• 2.StrengthenExistingRegulations:Instead,Irecommend strengthening the existing.regulatory frameworktoensureseed quality,safety and efficiencywhilepromotinginnovation and competition in the seed industry.
• 3.There's need for capacity building community, senate and stakeholders on the existing seeds and plant varieties.

Conclusion:

Theproposed bill posessignificant riskstoKenya'sseed industry,food security,andfarmers livelihoods.We.believethat rejecting thebill and strengthening existingregulations is thebest course of action toprotect the interests of farmers,consumers,and the country as a whole.

Clerk of the Senate, P.O.Box41842-00100Nairobi

Dear Sir.

Memorandum on Sceds and PlantVarieties(Amendment) Bill,2025(SenateBills No.4of 2025)

Nature Kenya -- the East Africa Natural History Society -- appreciates the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for its efforts to engage the public to provide their views on theproposed amendment.

Proposed amendments:

Amending the proposed Section 10B (2) by inserting 10B (2) (c),.(d) and (e) then renumber;

• 10B (2) (c) proof of seeds not being invasive; ,
• 10B (2) (d) proof of seeds being compatible with the environment with minimal negative impact on it;
• 10B(2)(e) seeds addvalue tothe traditionalvariety andfoodsystem;

Recommendations:

• Exemption ofindigenous/native/traditionalseedvarietiesfromregistration.
• KEPHIS to manage and operate the Standard-based seed registration system.

Yours sincerely.

Dr. Paul Matiku, Executive Director, Nature Kenya.

DOEC BL

Hhlly denl

DLY

300kOQ5

3 0U. 2025

(OSEC)

BirdLife

PartnerinKenya

Moiest

0107(21

National MuseumsofKenya,MuseumHi P.O.Box44486,00100GPONairot Tel:+254(0)20353756 Cell:+254(0)771343138,(0)78014920( Email:office@naturekenya.or( www.naturekenya.or

24lh July 2025

Background information about NatureKenya

Nature Kenya—the East Africa Natural History Socicty (EANHS)-is Africa's oldest environmentalSociety,established in1909 topromote the study andconservation of nature in easternAfrica.Weremain a non-political-and notforprofit membershipSociety. Our mission is connecting nature and people. Our work is firmly based on partnership, science and action.We Government,localcommunities and theprivatesector.

Nature Kenya takes practical action.We work with and for people - to improve their quality of life alongside,and as a result of,nature conservation.We collaborate with others wherever possible, at local, national, regional or global levels, linking with community groups, governments, businesses, universities and civil society groups to increase the impacts of our efforts.

Someofourachievementsinclude:

• FoundedtheNationalMuseumsofKenya,nowaworld-renownedinstitutionforresearch and education.
• Published,since1910,theJournalofEastAfricanNaturalHistory,arespectedscientific journal now jointly produced with the National Museums.
• Established and maintained,with the National Museums of Kenya,a comprehensive naturalhistorylibrary.
• Engaged our members in the study,cnjoyment and conservation of nature inEastern Africa, through field trips,lectures, publications,and opportunitiesto take part in research activities since1909.
• Identified and designated Important Bird Areas(IBAs)for Kenya,in collaboration with the·National Museums.More recently,documented the plants, animals and other biodiversityofEasternAfricaasacontributiontoexpanding thetaxonomicscopeof priority setting from IBAs to Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).Since IBAs are KBAs based on birds, they are also referred to asImportant Bird andBiodiversityAreas.
• Encouragedand 1supportedcommunity-basedorganizations tobecomeSiteSupport Groups(SSGs)promoting conservation andalternative livelihoods at Important Bird Areas,especially thosewithoutofficialprotectionstatus.
• Developed partnerships among Government and non-government organizationsfor sustainable conservation action at IBAs,nowKBAs,through theImportant Bird Areas National Liaison Committee(IBA-NLC)--now theKey Biodiversity AreasNational Liaison Cominittee(KBA-NLC).We work with others in the development of policies, legislationandinstitutionalframeworks thatsafeguardtheecologicalsustainabilityof KBAsinKenya
• Mobilizedresources toconnectnature andpeopletotake actionforbiodiversity conservationthroughdevelopmentandimplementationofdonorfundedprojectsat priorityKBAs inKenya.
• Workglobally throughtheBirdLifeInternational Partnershipand itsnetworkof likeminded organizations in EasternAfrica and beyond in117 countries and territories.

For more inforrmation visit our website at www.naturekenya.org.