The Seed Enterprise Management Institute (SEMIs) is a collaborative capacity building and food security initiative between the University of Nairobi, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Iowa State University (ISU), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), private and public Institutions in the seed sector and independent consultants. SEMIs was established in February, 2010 with the primary objective of providing capacity to the seed industry personnel in sub-Saharan Africa through short term trainings. To date, more than 600 personnel from over 100 seed companies in 15 African countries have undergone training at SEMIs.
Apart from the short course trainings, SEMIs also established a fully fledged seed processing unit at the University of Nairobi, CAVS. The processing plant aims to serve both as training facility and as a service provider for other seed companies with limited capacity to process seed.
Other activities of the Institute includes production of breeder seed beans bred by University of Nairobi researchers for which six bean varieties are being bulked at the University farm in Kabete, Kanyariri and Kibwezi stations.
