Govt to import one million bags of maize amid expected deficit
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the consignment will go towards the national strategic reserves.
The Kenyan government plans to import one million bags of maize to address an anticipated shortfall resulting from inadequate rainfall in crop-growing regions. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe disclosed that the shipment will be added to the national strategic reserves. Kagwe estimated a projected maize deficit of 5.4 million bags by the end of the following month.
Kenya has been grappling with subpar rainfall in maize-growing areas in the North Rift, causing crops to wither. Farmers are anticipating substantial losses that could amount to billions of shillings. Kenya's annual maize consumption ranges from 50 million to 60 million 90-kilogram bags, driven by a high per capita consumption of 103 kilograms. However, the country's local production capacity stands between 34 million and 42 million bags, resulting in a deficit.
The shortage may worsen as experts predict an El Niño phenomenon in the coming months. Such an event could cause additional crop damage through heavy rains and flooding. Kenya recorded the highest price for a 90-kilogram bag of maize in 2022, when it peaked at Sh6,000 due to a severe drought, supply deficits, and high input costs. Currently, the price for a 90-kilogram bag of maize in Kenya ranges from Sh3,000 to Sh4,500. However, prices could escalate if demand for maize exceeds the available supply.
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