Top of The Day: Government Reduces Seed Prices Ahead of Short Rains and Other Headlines
New seed prices have taken effect since February 25, 2025 with the government directing Kenya Seed Company (KSC) to inform all farmers distributors and the general public.
CS Mutahi Kagwe has instructed KSC to ensure only genuine seeds are distributed, following recent reports of fake seeds in the market. The CS has proposed that those selling counterfeit seeds will serve a minimum of 10 years in jail without the option of a fine.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture on February 21, he said under the reviewed prices, 1kg of maize seeds will retail at Ksh 210, 2kgs at Ksh 420, 10 kgs at Ksh 2,100, and 25 kgs at Ksh 5,250.
He asked Kenyan farmers to prepare for its long rains season in March, April, and May. The Agriculture CS cited that the move is part of the government’s food security agenda and therefore a national security issue. “Any attempt to sabotage national security attracts harsh retributions” he said on the issue of fake seedlings.
Traffic Disruption Along Lang’ata Road Following Burna Boy’s Performance
Grammy winner and Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, will cause a traffic snarl-up for motorists plying Lang’ata Road on March 1st. Road users are urged to prepare for occasional traffic disruption along the usually busy road due to the upcoming event tomorrow.
The event is a music concert at Uhuru Gardens, off Lang’ata Road, sponsored by MadFun Experience. Event organisers have warned motorists early on of potential gridlock as revellers start making their way to the venue from 3PM.
Motorists have been urged to make prior arrangements to avoid delay and disappointments. The event-goers have also been encouraged to use public transport due to limited parking space at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Raila Odinga Stadium to Host Madaraka Day Celebrations
The 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations are scheduled to take place at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on June 1st. This marks the first time Homa Bay will host the national event. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” highlighting the county’s strategic location along Lake Victoria.
In preparation for the event, the government plans to expand and rehabilitate the stadium to accommodate up to 12,000 people. Upgrades are also underway for the Kabunde Airstrip and local road infrastructure to facilitate better access.
Under Ruto’s tenure, the self-rule national celebrations have been hosted across the country. The first was held in Embu County, then Kericho County, Bungoma County, Kwale County then now Homabay County. The next celebrations will be in done Kitui County.
CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Government still Negotiating For Local Chiefs Release
The Kenyan government, led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, is actively negotiating for the release of five chiefs abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County on February 3, 2025. The abducted officials are believed to have been taken to Jilib, Somalia.
The incident occurred as the chiefs were traveling from Wargadud to Elwak Town for a consultative meeting to plan security arrangements for an upcoming visit by President William Ruto. Their vehicle was hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki in Mandera South.
In a related incident, over 20 individuals remain unaccounted for following an attack by suspected Ethiopian Dassanech militia on Turkana fishermen near Lake Turkana. The government is collaborating with Ethiopian authorities and has mobilized resources, including diplomatic channels, to address the crisis and ensure the safe return of the missing persons.
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