STAK Congress 2025: Unlocking Seed Potential through Policy, Technology, and Partnerships

The Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) convened the STAK Congress 2025 from 5^th –6^th November 2025 at Eka Hotel, Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, researchers, seed companies, agro-dealers, farmer organizations, and development partners to shape the future of Kenya’s seed systems. The annual STAK Congress brings together stakeholders to share updates, deliberate on emerging issues, and forge new directions for the growth and sustainability of Kenya’s seed sector.

Held under the theme “Unlocking Seed Potential: Policy, Technology, and Partnerships,” the congress provided a strategic platform to review progress in seed sector reforms and explore innovations critical to agricultural transformation. Over 100 delegates participated, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, KEPHIS, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), KALRO, CIMMYT, AGRA, AFSTA, and STAK members. The congress also recognized Mr. Azariah Soi, STAK Emeritus, for his outstanding contribution to Kenya’s seed sector, awarding him a special honor for his visionary leadership and decades of service.

Mr. Azariah Soi, STAK Emeritus (right), receiving an award for his outstanding contribution to Kenya’s seed sector from STAK’s Chairman of the Board of directors, Mr. Wellington Wasike

During the two-day meeting, presentations covered a wide range of topics, including seed policy and regulatory reforms, biotechnology and gene editing, digital traceability and anti-counterfeiting solutions, as well as regional harmonization and public–private partnerships in the seed sector. The event also featured panel discussions where participants addressed specific challenges and opportunities within the seed value chain, fostering dialogue and actionable recommendations.

The congress concluded with a clear call to accelerate policy reforms, deepen public–private collaboration, and responsibly scale science-driven solutions, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in resilient and competitive seed systems.

STAK Stakeholders Discuss Implications of High Court Ruling on Seed Sharing

On 16th December 2025, the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) convened a stakeholder meeting at Eka Hotel, Nairobi, to discuss the implications of the recent High Court ruling on the Seed and Plant Varieties Act (SPVA), which legalized seed sharing among farmers. The meeting brought together seed companies, regulatory authorities, government representatives, and development partners to examine the legal, policy, and regulatory impacts on Kenya’s seed sector.

During the meeting, participants were taken through a detailed legal overview of the case and its implications to the sector. KEPHIS and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoALD) presented their perspectives, after which participants sought clarifications, discussed potential impacts, and deliberated on a coordinated way forward for the industry.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to defend seed quality standards, support the SPVA review, and maintain coordinated industry action to ensure farmers continue accessing reliable, certified seed

Participants of the seed stakeholders meeting on seed policy.

Seed Marketing Innovations Workshop Empowers Kenyan Seed Companies

The Seed Marketing Innovations for Africa (SMIA) Workshop took place from 19th–20th November 2025 at The Gelian Hotel, Machakos, bringing together seed sector stakeholders for capacity building in digital marketing, market intelligence, branding, and product life cycle management. The workshop was organized by AGRA, STAK, Resourced, AATF, GeoPoll, AgNexus, 5DM-Chlorophyll, and CIMMYT.

Over two interactive days, participants engaged in hands-on sessions using laptops and smartphones to learn digital marketing tools, AI-enabled targeting, social media campaigns, and on-field farmer engagement strategies such as demo trials and trial packs. The workshop emphasized the importance of market intelligence in understanding farmer needs, improving product adoption, and strengthening competitiveness.

The workshop concluded with clear recommendations, including post-workshop mentorship, improved farmer insights sharing, and wider adoption of Varietal Performance Information (VPI) systems. The event underscored the value of collaboration, technology, and data-driven marketing in transforming Kenya’s seed sector.

Participants of the Seed Marketing Innovations for Africa (SMIA) Workshop that took place from 19th–20th November 2025 at The Gelian Hotel, Machakos,

Aligning Science and Policy to Boost Farmers’ Technology Adoption

Participants at the CGA-organized multi-sectoral meeting at Argyle Hotel, discussing ways to align science and policy to enhance farmers’ adoption of new technologies

The Cereal Growers Association of Kenya (CGA) organized a multi-sectoral engagement meeting held at the Argyle Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss aligning science and policy to address bottlenecks limiting farmers’ uptake of new agricultural technologies. The meeting was attended by representatives from MOALD, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), academia, AAFT, the media, farmer organizations, and the STAK Executive Officer.

Discussions highlighted the need for targeted roundtable engagements with key influencers—including the seed industry, faith-based organizations, policymakers, and groups opposed to science—to clearly communicate the benefits of technology adoption to farmers. Participants emphasized that improved understanding and trust are critical to increasing uptake at farm level.

Intergovernmental Agriculture Forum 2025

STAK Executive Officer Joyce Karanja, (center) participated as a panelist at the Intergovernmental Forum on Agriculture in Naivasha, speaking on access to land under the LCI.

The two-day Intergovernmental Agriculture Forum (IGAF) 2025 took place on 28–29 November 2025 in Naivasha, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across Kenya to discuss strategies for advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Key discussions focused on land access for farmers, regulatory frameworks, and innovations to enhance seed availability and quality. The forum emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to ensure farmers have access to improved, high-yielding, and climate-resilient planting materials.

STAK participated actively in the forum, with Executive Officer Joyce Karanja serving as a panellist on land access under the Land Consolidation Initiative (LCI). She highlighted the need for effective mechanisms to enable seed companies to support farmers.

The IGAF 2025 underscored that collective action and strong policy frameworks are essential to drive growth in Kenya’s agriculture sector and strengthen the seed industry.

AFSTA 26th Annual Congress – March 2026, Cape Town

The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), a close regional partner of the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK), will host its 26th Annual Congress from 23–25 March 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town, South Africa.

Held under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future, One Seed at a Time,” the Congress is the premier annual gathering for seed industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. It provides a key platform for networking, business engagement, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing on emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments affecting Africa’s seed trade.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, the event also offers delegates an opportunity to experience Cape Town’s renowned hospitality, culture, and tourist attractions.

Further information on registration and participation is available on the AFSTA website (www.afsta.org).