Maize imports push down Kenyan grain prices as farmers face growing pressure
Kenyan maize prices have fallen about 13% in two months as duty-free imports from COMESA countries increase market supply. The decline is squeezing farmer incomes during harvest season, prompting calls for government intervention while growers face rising costs and storage risks.
KENYA – Maize prices in Kenya have fallen sharply over the past two months as large volumes of duty-free grain from neighboring countries enter the market, putting farmers under growing financial pressure during the harvest season.
Data from grain traders and the Grain Belt Millers Association shows that the wholesale price of a 90-kilogram bag of maize has dropped from KSh 4,600 (US$35.60) to KSh 4,000 (US$30.95). The decline represents a loss of KSh 600 (US$4.64) per bag at a time when many farmers expected stronger returns from their harvests.
The price drop comes after several countries within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) recorded strong harvests and built up large grain stocks. Countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, and Mozambique can export maize to Kenya without paying import duties under regional trade agreements.
As imported grain enters the country in large volumes, local farmers face increasing competition from suppliers whose production costs are often lower. Many Kenyan farmers spent heavily on fertilizer, fuel, and other inputs during the planting season. They expected post-harvest sales to help recover those costs and support the next production cycle.
The lower prices have created concern across major maize-growing areas such as Eldoret and Kitale, where farming supports many other businesses, including transport operators, equipment suppliers, and local retailers.
Some farmers have chosen to store their grain while waiting for prices to improve. However, long storage periods increase the risk of moisture damage and aflatoxin contamination, which can make grain unsafe for sale and consumption.
The situation has renewed debate about how Kenya should balance support for local producers with the need to keep maize flour affordable for consumers. Some industry stakeholders have called on the government to increase purchases through the National Cereals and Produce Board to support farmers and build national grain reserves.
The market pressure comes just days after the government announced plans to launch a national seed subsidy program in the 2026/2027 financial year. President William Ruto said the program will help smallholder farmers access certified seeds at lower costs and expand support beyond fertilizer subsidies.
While the planned seed program may help reduce production costs in the future, many maize farmers now face immediate concerns about falling prices and reduced earnings from this season’s harvest.
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Source : Milling MEA
