The Kenyan government plans to import one million 90-kilogram bags of maize to help address an expected shortage caused by poor rainfall in major maize-growing regions.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the imported maize will be directed to the country’s strategic reserves as the government prepares for a projected 5.4 million-bag deficit by the end of September.

Poor Rains Threaten Kenya’s Maize Supply

Maize crops in parts of the North Rift, one of Kenya’s major maize-producing regions, have been affected by depressed rainfall.

Farmers are facing significant crop losses, with the damage potentially running into billions of shillings.

The supply pressure could worsen if changing weather conditions cause further disruption to agricultural production.

Kenya Consumes More Maize Than It Produces

Kenya consumes approximately 50 million to 60 million 90kg bags of maize annually, while domestic production is estimated at between 34 million and 42 million bags.

With per-capita maize consumption at about 103 kilograms, maize remains one of the country’s most important staple foods.

The production gap means Kenya regularly relies on imports to supplement domestic supplies.

Maize Prices Could Rise

A shortage could put additional pressure on maize prices if demand exceeds available supply.

A 90kg bag of maize currently sells for approximately Sh3,000 to Sh4,500 in Kenya.

The highest recorded price in recent years was around Sh6,000 per 90kg bag in 2022, when severe drought, supply shortages and high input costs pushed prices sharply higher.

The government’s planned importation is intended to strengthen strategic reserves and help reduce the risk of a severe supply shortage.

Kenya Faces Growing Food Security Concerns

The expected maize deficit highlights Kenya’s vulnerability to changing weather patterns and disruptions in agricultural production.

With maize accounting for a significant share of the country’s food consumption, maintaining adequate stocks will remain critical to controlling prices and protecting food security in the months ahead.