Vulnerable households across Trans Nzoia County are continuing to benefit from a free maize seed distribution programme spearheaded by Governor George Natembeya in collaboration with County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Phanice Khatundi.
The initiative, which targets families facing food insecurity, saw a distribution exercise conducted at Botwa in Kaplamai Ward and Lungai Kinyoro Ward Centre on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with hundreds of residents receiving certified maize seeds.
Speaking during the exercise, Governor Natembeya noted that the programme has significantly reduced cases of hunger among residents.
“Since we started this maize distribution programme, no one has come to my office asking for food. The 2kg seed packet we give, if properly utilised, is enough to sustain a household,” said the governor.
He further emphasised the importance of proper farming practices to maximise yields from the distributed seeds.
“Under proper crop management, a 2-kg seed packet can produce between four and six bags of maize. This is enough to feed about four people for a whole year, greatly improving household food security and livelihoods,” he added.
Impact of the free maize seed distribution programme in Trans Nzoia
CEC Member for Agriculture Phanice Khatundi reiterated the programme’s impact, explaining the technical aspects of the seed distribution.
She stated that each 2kg packet is sufficient to plant approximately 0.2 acres of land, noting that the county is supplying high-yielding maize varieties, including H6213, H629, H614, and H520.
Khatundi also echoed the governor’s remarks on expected yields, saying that with proper crop management, the seeds can produce between four and six bags of maize enough to sustain an average family and improve living standards.
“Each 2kg seed packet we are distributing is carefully selected to ensure high productivity. When farmers apply proper crop management practices, this small investment can yield between four and six bags of maize, which are enough to feed a family and uplift livelihoods. Our goal is to empower every household to move from dependency to self-sufficiency through agriculture.”
The county government has continued to roll out the programme across different wards, positioning agriculture as a key pillar in enhancing food security and empowering vulnerable households.
