CS Kagwe Secures 1 Million Bags of Maize From Zambia as Unga Prices Hit Ksh160
The government has secured a commitment for the importation of up to one million 90-kilogram bags of maize from Zambia in a bid to stabilise soaring maize flour prices and cushion consumers from the effects of a prolonged drought.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the arrangement on Friday, saying the deal is intended to boost the country’s dwindling grain reserves and ease pressure on the cost of unga, which has risen sharply over the past three months.
The announcement comes as retail prices of maize flour continue to climb, with a two-kilogram packet now retailing at between Ksh153 and Ksh168 in major supermarkets. In some outlets, prices have reportedly reached Ksh170, up from an average of Ksh130 late last year.
At the same time, the price of a 90-kilogram bag of maize has risen to about Ksh4,200 from Ksh3,800 in recent months, reflecting tightening supply in the market.
“We have secured a commitment from the government of Zambia to supply up to one million 90kg bags of maize to Kenya. This is to cushion the country against potential shortages and stabilise unga prices,” the CS said.
The government’s move follows concerns that some farmers in the North Rift region are hoarding maize in anticipation of further price increases. Millers have reported dwindling stocks, raising fears of further escalation in flour prices if supply is not boosted.
Earlier this week, Kagwe issued a 30-day ultimatum to farmers holding onto maize stocks, warning that failure to release the grain to the market would trigger large-scale duty-free imports.
“We are giving farmers 30 days to release their maize to the market. If that does not happen, the government will proceed with duty-free imports to ensure consumers are protected,” he warned.
Farmers, however, argue that they are acting cautiously due to uncertainty surrounding this season’s harvest. They cite erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells during planting as factors likely to reduce output.
Some producers have also indicated they were waiting for the government’s earlier pledge to increase the farm-gate price of maize from Ksh3,500 to Ksh4,000 per 90-kilogram bag before releasing their stocks.
The importation plan unfolds against the backdrop of a severe drought affecting more than three million people across 23 counties. Arid and semi-arid areas such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, and Turkana have been hardest hit.
The government has rolled out a multi-pronged response to mitigate the crisis, including the release of Ksh4.1 billion in emergency funds to scale up relief efforts. Additionally, Ksh294 million has been allocated to support over 100,000 vulnerable households with food assistance.
Water trucking operations are ongoing in affected regions, while livestock off-take programmes have been introduced to protect pastoralist livelihoods.
Analysts note that while imports may ease short-term pressure on consumers, sustainable solutions will depend on improving domestic production and strengthening food storage systems.
For now, the arrival of Zambian maize is expected to offer temporary relief to households grappling with rising food costs, as the government races to steady the country’s staple commodity market.
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CS Kagwe Secures 1 Million Bags of Maize From Zambia as Unga Prices Hit Ksh160
