By Brandon Moss
The Government of Kenya has issued a 30-day ultimatum to traders and individuals hoarding maize stocks, warning that failure to release supplies to the market will trigger duty-free maize imports to stabilise prices.
Speaking at a depot operated by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in Sagana, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, said the government’s priority remains purchasing maize from local farmers to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve.
Government Warns Against Speculation
Kagwe said only 186,000 bags of maize have been delivered to the NCPB so far—well below expectations—a shortfall he attributed to hoarding and speculative behaviour, particularly as drought conditions begin to emerge in parts of the country.
“We are buying maize at KES 4,000 (about US$31) per bag, and we have KES 1.7 billion (approximately US$13 million) ready for payments,” Kagwe said. “If anyone tells you to wait, call me. As a country, we must stock our strategic reserves and be prepared for emergencies. Our first option is not to import, but to buy from our farmers.”
He warned that if stocks are not released within the 30-day window, the government will allow duty-free imports to stabilise the cost of maize flour.
Measures to Cut Post-Harvest Losses
To improve grain quality and reduce post-harvest losses, the government is rationalising the deployment of more than 60 mobile and stationary maize dryers across the country.
Under the new plan, dryers will be reassigned to cooperatives, large-scale farmers, self-help groups, and high-production zones, while units currently stationed in low-yield areas will be redeployed. Kagwe cautioned that misuse of dryers in regions with limited maize production could increase public health risks associated with aflatoxin contamination.
Fertiliser Subsidy Boosts Yields
Kagwe also highlighted progress in maize production, noting that the fertiliser subsidy programme helped double yields during the 2025 season. This followed the distribution of 9.1 million bags of assorted fertilisers, supported by favourable weather across the North Rift, South Rift, Eastern, and Central regions.
To improve access, county governments will now register agro-dealers, allowing farmers to obtain subsidised fertiliser closer to their farms.
An instant payment system—rolled out in partnership with the National Treasury, the World Bank, and commercial banks—will ensure agro-dealers are paid immediately upon voucher redemption, reducing transport costs and improving fertiliser availability at village level.
Rice and Wheat Supply Outlook
On rice, Kagwe dismissed claims of a national supply crisis, stating that the NCPB has sufficient capacity to receive and mill locally produced rice. He said delays in specific production areas, such as Mwea, should not be interpreted as a nationwide shortage.
Kenya currently produces about 20% of its rice requirements, with the remainder imported. The government is encouraging investors, cooperatives, and farmers to expand domestic rice production, supported by plans to increase local milling capacity.
Regarding wheat, Kagwe said Kenya produces only about 10% of its national demand but has established a policy framework to prioritise locally produced wheat before allowing imports.
Food Security a National Priority
Reaffirming the government’s stance on import substitution and strategic reserves, Kagwe said food security depends on discipline across the value chain.
“Food security requires discipline in production, storage, drying, and timely marketing,” he said. “We must have enough food in our stores. Food security is not optional; it is a national duty.”