Maize flour prices are expected to ease in the coming months following the government’s release of 200,000 bags of maize from the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the maize, stored by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), will be sold to miller associations and individual millers at a subsidized rate of Ksh 4,250 per 90kg bag. The move aims to cushion consumers from rising flour prices.
“To qualify, millers must present their milling capacity, a certificate of incorporation, tax compliance, and a KEBS quality certificate,” Kagwe stated.
Official data shows the price of a 2kg packet of fortified maize flour rose by 2.6% from Ksh 165.05 in March to Ksh 169.41 in April. Loose maize grain prices also increased by 2.9% to Ksh 66.60 per kilogram.
The first batch will be distributed through selected NCPB depots in the North and South Rift, where payments began last Thursday.
To prevent hoarding, millers must pay 25% of their allocation upfront and provide evidence of milling and flour distribution before receiving the full allocation. A maize utilization report must also be submitted before the remaining 75% payment is accepted.
All approved millers are expected to promptly collect their maize, begin milling, and distribute flour upon payment completion.
