A Seed Dealer’s Licence (also called a Seed Seller’s Licence or Seed Merchant Licence) is required by any person or business intending to trade in seeds in Kenya. The licence is issued by KEPHIS under the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (Cap 326) and Legal Notice No. 220. All persons intending to sell, import, or export seeds must register with KEPHIS as seed merchants before commencing operations.
The licence ensures that only quality-certified seeds meeting KEPHIS’s gazetted minimum standards are offered for sale to farmers. Licensed dealers must display their licence and the name of the company they represent at their premises.
Seed Dealer’s Licence Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| New Applicant Registration Fee | 75,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | 10,000 |
Supporting Costs and Requirements
| Item | Cost / Requirement |
|---|---|
| NML (National Marks Licence) Certificate | KES 800–1,500 |
| ISTA Certificate (for imported seed) | Required from country of origin |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Required for all imported seed |
| KEPHIS Seed Quality Testing (per sample) | Varies by crop |
| County Business Permit | County-dependent |
All seed dealers must ensure that seeds for sale have passed KEPHIS laboratory quality tests and bear the required quality labels. Imported seeds undergo quality tests on arrival and must meet gazetted standards before being offered for sale. Applications for the Seed Dealer’s Licence are submitted to KEPHIS head office.
Contact: KEPHIS, Off Waiyaki Way, Loresho, P.O. Box 49592-00100, Nairobi | kephis.go.ke | Tel: 0722 206 986
