NCBA, Kenya Seed Company Partner to Support Farmers Ahead of 2026 Planting Season

By James Gitaka

Farmers in Trans Nzoia County received a boost ahead of the 2026 planting season after NCBA Group partnered with Kenya Seed Company to host an agripreneurs’ forum aimed at improving access to financing, productivity tools, and market linkages.

The forum, held in Kitale, brought together more than 150 maize seed farmers, agribusiness traders, and industry experts to discuss strategies for strengthening agricultural productivity and financial inclusion in one of Kenya’s key grain-producing regions.

Organized under the theme “Financing the 2026 Planting Season: Productivity and Market Linkages,” the engagement created a platform for farmers to interact directly with financial and agribusiness specialists, gaining insights on financial literacy, farm management, and access to tailored financial solutions.

Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains

Speaking during the forum, Robert Kiboti, Director of Commercial and SME Banking at NCBA, said the bank’s strategy focuses on building strong ecosystems that support farmers beyond traditional lending.

“Our approach goes beyond financing. We are building ecosystems that connect farmers to inputs, technical expertise and reliable markets,” Kiboti said.

“Through partnerships such as the one with Kenya Seed Company, we are creating structured solutions that enable farmers to access timely financing, improve productivity and operate more sustainably within organised value chains,” he added.

The initiative forms part of NCBA’s broader strategy to strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance resilience among farmers and agribusiness enterprises across the country.

Kitale’s Strategic Role in Kenya’s Grain Economy

Located in Trans Nzoia County, Kitale plays a critical role in Kenya’s food production landscape, with maize farming forming the backbone of the region’s agricultural economy.

According to national agricultural data, maize production in the region generates more than KSh 23 billion annually, with farmers increasingly diversifying into dairy farming, poultry, fish production and high-value crops.

The region has also seen growing investment in agro-processing infrastructure, further strengthening its position as a key agribusiness hub in the country.

Industry experts say the agribusiness ecosystem in Kitale continues to drive billions of shillings across the agricultural value chain each year, supporting livelihoods and contributing significantly to national food security.

Financial Solutions for Farmers

During the forum, farmers engaged with NCBA specialists on various agribusiness financing options designed to help agricultural enterprises grow and manage seasonal cash-flow needs.

The bank highlighted several financial solutions tailored for farmers and agribusiness players, including:

• Structured financing for livestock farmers through beef fattening programmes

• Asset finance solutions for farm machinery and equipment in partnership with Inchcape plc

• Working capital facilities for agri-SMEs, traders and distributors

• Trade finance services such as Letters of Credit to support agricultural exporters entering regional and global markets

These financial tools, according to the bank, are designed to support farmers across the entire agricultural value chain—from production to processing and export.

Partnership to Improve Farmer Productivity

Officials from Kenya Seed Company welcomed the collaboration, saying access to financing remains a major challenge for many seed growers.

Nicholas Sang, Production Manager at the company, said the partnership is helping bridge the financial gap while promoting better farming practices.

“Access to affordable and timely financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing seed growers,” Sang said.

“Our partnership with NCBA is helping bridge this gap by empowering farmers with financial solutions aligned to the agricultural cycle. By combining quality seed production with structured financing and farmer education, we are supporting improved yields, stronger value chains and greater income stability for farmers,” he added.

Supporting Food Security and Rural Growth

The NCBA–Kenya Seed Company collaboration reflects the bank’s retail and SME strategy of combining financing with capacity building and market access for farmers.

Through such initiatives, NCBA aims to expand inclusive financing and strengthen the agricultural sector, which remains a key driver of economic growth, food security and rural development in Kenya.

NCBA Group operates more than 100 branches across five African countries and serves over 60 million customers, positioning it as one of the largest banking groups on the continent by customer numbers.

The bank says it will continue working with partners in the agricultural sector to empower farmers and strengthen agribusiness ecosystems across Kenya.