Kirinyaga County farmers are benefiting from a newly established Seedlings Propagation Centre, which offers affordable, high-quality planting materials that have traditionally been sourced from costly private producers. The facility, operational since 2023 under Governor Anne Waiguru’s Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, has enhanced access to certified crop materials, slashing production costs for horticulture farmers. The centre, located in Kangai ward, can produce up to 400,000 seedlings annually for crops like tomatoes, cabbages, and African night-shade, according to county officials.
The centre’s establishment addresses longstanding challenges farmers faced in accessing clean, disease-free planting materials. County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, Dr. John Gachara, emphasized that the facility ensures farmers receive quality seedlings, safeguarding soil health and boosting productivity. “Getting clean planting materials has been a key challenge for horticulture farmers,” Gachara stated. “This centre guarantees farmers high-quality, disease-free seedlings, which are critical for sustainable agriculture.”
Producing seedlings using certified seeds and modern technology, the centre also provides agronomic advice to farmers. Gachara highlighted that the facility reduces costs by up to Ksh200 per tray and Ksh1,000 in transport fees, depending on the source. Previously, some farmers sourced seedlings from Naivasha, while others relied on local private producers. The centre has already sold over 100,000 seedlings in the past two seasons, serving as both a production hub and a training ground linked to the Kirinyaga Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre.
Dr. Gachara noted that the centre hosts annual farmer field days to educate growers on best practices. “We aim to hold three field days yearly to improve agronomic knowledge,” he said. Farmers like Daniel Githaka, a cabbage and tomato grower, praised the initiative for ensuring quality and affordability. “Previously, we couldn’t verify seedling quality, but now we’re assured of reliable materials at lower prices,” Githaka said. Tomato seedling prices have dropped from Ksh2,200 to Ksh2,000 per crate, while capsicum seedlings now cost Ksh1,000 instead of Ksh1,200.
Tomato farmer John Muchoki highlighted the logistical benefits of the centre’s proximity. “I used to spend Ksh1,000 on transport, but now I can walk to the centre, buy seedlings, and plant immediately,” he said. The facility’s guidance on crop management has also improved his farming outcomes. Similarly, Michael Mwangi, a tomato grower, credited the centre’s high-yielding Rafano and Ranco seedlings for boosting his yields and profits. “The affordable, quality seedlings have transformed my farm’s productivity,” Mwangi stated.
Farmer Sammy Maringa emphasized the economic impact of timely seedling access. “Avoiding delays in planting has stabilized production cycles, contributing to Kangai Ward’s growth as a horticultural hub,” he said. The centre’s expansion is expected to further stimulate the county’s agricultural economy, with horticulture production rising from 46,000 tons in 2017 to 116,000 tons in 2022, generating Ksh6.9 billion annually for farmers.
The Seedlings Propagation Centre exemplifies how targeted government initiatives can address agricultural challenges while fostering economic resilience. By combining affordable inputs, technical training, and quality assurance, the project underscores Kirinyaga County’s commitment to sustainable farming and rural development.