Relief for Kenyans as maize prices drop

Kenyans can now look forward to cheaper maize flour in the coming months after farmers from the Western region started harvesting the crop.

The prices of maize have already drastically dropped in Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia counties where the harvesting season has already kicked off.

The 2kg container of maize (locally referred to as gorogoro) which was retailing at Sh200 three weeks ago is now selling at between Sh80 and Sh100 in most parts of the region.

Early this month, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) released a survey projecting a bumper harvest in maize production, estimated to reach 44.6 million bags, the highest since 2018, a move that it termed as a positive turnaround for the agricultural sector.

In Bungoma, the price of a gorogoro has reduced drastically in Bumula, Kanduyi and Mt Elgon sub-counties.
The prices are expected to drop in other parts of the county, including Kimilili and Tongaren once farmers start harvesting the crop in the next couple of weeks.

Local leaders, led by Governor Ken Lusaka yesterday warned middlemen and brokers not to take advantage of the bumper harvest being witnessed in the region to exploit farmers by purchasing the commodity at very low prices and selling it at a premium.

Reasonable price
Lusaka has asked ward representatives to pass a budget to allow the county government to purchase maize from farmers at a reasonable price. “These middlemen are now taking advantage of bumper harvest to exploit our farmers. Let our MCA’s allocate money so that we can buy directly from them,” said Lusaka.

Middlemen with lorries have camped in the county to buy cheap maize despite farmers investing a lot to produce it.
Similarly, it is harvest time in Kakamega County with green and dry maize beginning to flood the market making residents avoid packed flour from shops.

And traders yesterday expressed their misgivings saying the influx of the newly-harvested maize would affect the prices of the packaged flour.
Residents are in a celebratory mood with the newly-harvested maize selling between Sh80 and Sh120 per 2kg tin.
Hundreds of vehicles and motorbikes have been distributing the maize to local markets since last week amid concerns that the celebrations could be short-lived if the farmers run out of stock.
“I am delighted the harvest is bumper this year but the residents should be careful not to sell their produce to brokers at throw-away prices only for them to buy them later at high price,” said Calistus Lunalo, a resident.

The Kakamega county government attributed the bumper harvest to measures they had introduced, including distribution of affordable subsidised fertiliser.
“Many of our farmers are reaping maximum profits because of the fertiliser we distributed to them. They should, however, be advised to take good care of their harvest,” said governor Fernandes Barasa.
In Busia, maize farmers have a reason to smile after the region witnessed a bumper harvest that has also led to a drastic drop in maize price to as low as Sh80 per 2kg tin.
Following a market cross-check by the KNA office in Busia, the maize price for the tin, which is the main measure in the market, is now selling at Sh70 to Sh80 in the five markets of Buyofu, Butula, Lukolis, Malaba Town, and Miyanga that were visited.
Apparently, residents adhered to government calls during the planting season and properly used the subsidised fertilisers, resulting in high yields.
Alfred Musungu, an established farmer and trader near Buyofu market, confirmed that the traders are buying tin at Sh. 70–Sh. 80 from the farmers and selling the same at Sh100. “We have realised a good harvest this season, and already we have planted for the second season, expecting short rains to keep the crops healthy on the farm. We anticipate a good harvest should the government send the subsidised fertilisers on time,” noted Musungu.
Farmers are now calling on the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) to save farmers by purchasing the produce at a better price to protect them from falling into the trap of unscrupulous middlemen.
The farmers’ woes have been compounded by the fact that NCPB has an insignificant presence in the county, unlike other regions, such as the Rift Valley, central and other regions.
Farmers attributed the good harvest to the Kenya Kwanza government giving priority to agriculture, with the supply of improved subsidised fertilisers increasing the yield this season.
Meanwhile in Nyanza Counties, the 2kg tin of maize is still retailing above Sh150 where in Kisumu, the 2kg of dry maize sells at Sh180 from Sh200 previously while a 90kg bag retails averagely at Sh6,000.