<p><em>Striga hermonthica</em> (<em>Striga</em>) weed is widespread in Kenya, where it causes significant cereal crop losses, particularly when susceptible varieties are grown. The use of maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) genotypes that support reduced <em>Striga hermonthica</em> emergence can form an important basis for developing resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of diverse maize hybrids to <em>Striga</em> weed<em> </em>infestation and to identify high yielding and stable hybrids. Six experimental maize hybrids and three commercial hybrid checks (DK8031, PhB3253 and H513) were evaluated under <em>Striga</em> and <em>Striga</em> free conditions at Nyahera and Maseno in western Kenya in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The data collected included grain yields and other yield components; emerged <em>Striga</em> counts and <em>Striga</em> damage rating (on a scale of 1-5) at 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed in grain yield and yield components; emerged <em>Striga</em> counts and <em>Striga</em> damage syndrome in both years. Negative correlation (r) was observed between emerged <em>Striga</em> and yield as well as between <em>Striga </em>damage ratings and yield. Maseno experimental hybrids produced much better grain yields and were more stable compared to commercial varieties under <em>Striga</em> infestation and in <em>Striga</em> free fields. Deployment of the tolerant/resistant high yielding well adapted hybrids coupled with other management options such as rotation with legumes and cultural practices could possibly help in depletion of <em>Striga</em> seed bank in the soils in western Kenya. EH12 and EH14 maize hybrids were formally released for commercialization in the <em>Striga</em> endemic areas of western Kenya.</p>