Kenya’s agriculture sector has received a significant boost with a $285,000 investment by Kua Ventures into Continental Seeds, a vegetable seed company headquartered in Nairobi. The funding, equivalent to approximately Ksh. 36 million, represents Kua Ventures’ largest single investment to date and highlights the growing interest in Africa’s agtech sector.
The investment will bolster Continental Seeds’ capacity to provide high-quality vegetable seeds, expand its network of agricultural extension services, and support farmers across East Africa in adopting sustainable farming practices. This move aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance food security amid the challenges of climate change and fluctuating commodity prices.
Founded in 2012 by Francis Kamau, Continental Seeds started as a family business and has evolved into one of the fastest-growing seed companies in Africa. The firm specializes in importing, testing, and distributing a diverse range of seeds, including hybrids and open-pollinated varieties, tailored to the needs of farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond.
The company’s mission extends beyond supplying seeds; it also offers agricultural extension services to improve farmer productivity. Through its network of grassroots-based agents, Continental Seeds provides training and technical support, empowering farmers to adopt best practices in sustainable agriculture.
“Our focus has always been on building trust with farmers,” Kamau explained. “Seeds are a very practical investment that require strong relationships. Farmers need to see evidence of quality and performance before they commit. They are not early adopters when it comes to seeds — they demand proof.”
The capital injection from Kua Ventures will enable Continental Seeds to scale its operations, reach more farmers, and encourage youth participation in agriculture. Kamau views this as a critical step in addressing unemployment and bridging the generational gap in the agricultural workforce.
In addition to financial backing, Kua Ventures will provide advisory services and access to a community of mentors and peers. This partnership is expected to help Continental Seeds optimize its operations and maximize its impact on the region’s agricultural landscape.
With the additional resources, Continental Seeds plans to expand its distribution networks and enhance the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers across East Africa. The company is also set to increase its focus on agricultural education, aiming to help farmers boost yields and improve resilience against environmental challenges.
The investment comes at a time when the demand for innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions is growing across Africa. The continent’s food systems face mounting pressures from rapid population growth, land degradation, and the impacts of climate change. High-quality seeds, coupled with effective agricultural practices, are seen as critical tools in addressing these challenges.
Continental Seeds’ partnership with Kua Ventures reflects a shared vision of fostering agricultural innovation and economic empowerment. By prioritizing relationships with farmers and focusing on long-term sustainability, Kamau believes his company is well-positioned to contribute to the transformation of East Africa’s agricultural sector.
“We want to inspire the next generation of farmers and show them that agriculture is not just a livelihood but a path to building resilient communities,” Kamau said.
As Continental Seeds scales its operations, the firm aims to play a pivotal role in driving food security and sustainable agricultural practices across East Africa — one seed at a time.