The 1st ever International Seed Quality Conference

​The first ever International Seed Quality Conference themed ‘Seed quality assurance and technological advances for climate change adaptation towards sustainable food and nutrition security’ was held at the KEPHIS Headquarters, Karen from the 19th- 22nd August 2024. The event was officially inaugurated by the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Andrew MwihiaKaranja together with the Principal Secretary State Department of Crop Development Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, Chairman of the KEPHIS Board Hon. Joseph M’eruaki and KEPHIS Managing Director Prof. Theophilus Mutui.

. ​

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja gives his official opening speech at the conference 

In his speech the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the significance of the conference in enhancing international trade in certified seed. He emphasized the need to update regulatory frameworks to promote competitive seed markets, minimize trade barriers and ensure responsible trade in high – quality agricultural products. He affirmed that no effort will be spared in eliminating illegal seeds, ensuring the highest seed quality and safeguarding bountiful harvest for famers. This aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to empower small-scale farmers by providing them with access to quality seeds, thus enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to food security.
 ​

CS Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja poses for a photo with the KEPHIS Chairman Hon. Joseph M’eruaki , Board members and MD Prof. Theophilus Mutui

The conference was attended by over 300 participants from across the globe. At the conference the following thematic areas were addressed;
1. Technological advancements and innovations in seed production and quality assurance for climate adaptation and resilience
2. Regional/International harmonization of standards and cross border trade in seeds
3. Plant health and biosecurity in seed quality assurance
4. Plant variety protection, evaluation and release for climate resilience and sustainable agricultural production
5. Sustainable Seed systems for delivery of quality seed
6. Seed quality surveillance: case studies/practical approaches
7. Cross-Cutting issues in seed systems (Capacity building and knowledge transfer, trade negotiations and communication in seed systems, GMOs, Biosafety, gender youth issues in seed systems, collaboration and partnerships) 
8. Policy and regulatory environment in seed industry
9. Approaches to seed quality assurance for vegetatively propagating seeds

 During the conference, there were ongoing exhibitions and side events. The exhibitors included; 
1. KEPHIS
2. CGIAR
3. MEDA
4. Agriseedco
5. Avocado Society of Kenya
6. KALRO
7. Agripark Seeds 
8. Advanta Seeds
9. Western Seeds
10. Simlaw Seeds
11. Egerton University (Seed centre) 
12. Green Africa 
13. Trees for the Future 
14. SNV 
15. BAYER 
16. Seeds 2 B Africa 

​
The CS Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja, Ps Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh , Chairman KEPHIS Hon. Joseph M'eruaki , Board members and KEPHIS Managing Director Prof. Theophilus Mutui tour the Exhibition booths during the 1st International Seed Quality Conference

The side events were very educative and insightful. They included; Phytosanitary Requirement for import and export of seeds, Seed Certification and Identification of fake seeds, Euphresco iii seed health, Technologies in seed production and management.
 
Seed has always been a key factor in agricultural production acting as the basic and most vital input for sustainable growth in agriculture. The discussions at the conference were an eye opener and will significantly impact the future of the seed sector. High-quality seeds and innovative practices, aligns with the BETA agenda’s goal of building a more resilient and inclusive agricultural economy, ensuring the Kenyan farmer has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

​