During the Exhibition visit by CS Agriculture at Kephis Headquarters.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is holding the first-ever Seed Quality Conference in Nairobi, aimed at increasing the quality of seeds in the Kenyan market.
The conference was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Andrew Karanja as chief guest.
Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Kiprono was also present during the occasion. Other present stakeholders included; the Board Chairperson, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Board, and Prof Theophilus Mutui Managing Director of KEPHIS.
“Kenya’s economic growth and attainment of the sustainable development goals are heavily reliant on the agriculture sector, having significant bearing on food security, economic growth, and social stability. The agriculture sector provides 60 percent of all employment in Africa, and it is the largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many African Nations.” Said Dr. Andrew Karanja CS Ministry of Agriculture.
Addressing participants of the conference, Ministry of Agriculture CS Dr Andrew Karanja says access to quality seeds and inputs is a critical determinant of agricultural productivity as it lays the foundation for successful and sustainable agriculture.
On his part, PS Dr Kipronoh Ronoh noted, that Kenya continues to produce high-quality seeds of many crops in response to the needs of farmers, but more needs to be done.
In his opening remarks, KEPHIS MD Prof Theophilus Mutui observed that the conference aims to provide an opportunity for the seed actors to share experiences, achievements, challenges, opportunities, and solutions in the context of nine thematic areas.
