Kenya: Court Ruling and Legislative Proposals Unsettle Kenya Seed Sector

A recent court ruling, and a proposal to amend Kenya's seeds and varieties law, have caused regulatory uncertainty in Kenya's seed sector. In November 2025, Kenya's High Court declared key provisions of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, 2012 unconstitutional, opening a window for sharing and selling of indigenous seeds. In addition, Kenya's parliament is due to consider a private member's bill that seeks to create a parallel standards-based plant varieties' testing and registration process. Kenya's seed sector regulator and industry have raised their concerns.