Maize flour prices surge as supply shortage bites
Maize flour prices in Kenya have surged, with 2kg packs now retailing between Sh150–Sh169 due to maize shortages and rising grain costs. Millers warn of continued increases, despite government reassurances. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe says strategic reserves will be released and imports from Tanzania allowed to stabilize prices. A similar 2017 crisis saw flour prices exceed Sh200 before subsidies intervened.
The price of maize flour has been steadily climbing in local supermarkets, with a 2kg package now costing between Sh150 and Sh169.
This increase in prices comes amid reports of a shortage in the maize supply, leading to higher maize prices and raising fears of further hikes in the coming months despite reassurances from the government that prices will remain stable.
The price of maize flour in local supermarkets has been steadily rising.
The cost of a 2kg packet of maize flour now ranges from Sh150 to Sh169, with many brands averaging at Sh160 per pack.
In 2017, a similar surge in prices saw a 2kg packet of maize flour exceed Sh200 following a prolonged drought.
At that time, the government introduced a subsidy to reduce the cost to Sh90 per pack, aiming to ease the financial burden on Kenyans.
This current price hike is being attributed to a short supply of maize in the country.
Millers have warned that prices are expected to keep rising in the coming months.
The price of a 90kg bag of maize has also surged, currently selling at Sh4,200, up from Sh3,500 earlier this year.
Despite these rising costs, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has assured the public that maize flour prices will not increase further, dismissing claims that the situation will worsen.
“We are fully aware of the maize stocks in the country, and some individuals are hoarding maize in hopes of higher prices,” Kagwe said. “Unfortunately for them, that will not happen.”
To stabilise the market, Kagwe revealed that the government would release maize from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) strategic reserves to millers.
“We will release maize from our strategic reserves to ensure the price remains stable,” Kagwe explained.
“Additionally, we have engaged the Tanzanian government to allow for maize imports, ensuring that Kenya continues to receive a sufficient maize supply.”
The CS pointed out that there is no need for panic.
“The government is committed to ensuring the price of maize flour remains affordable by releasing the necessary reserves,” he assured.
To Read more about Maize News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : The Star
