Kenya is set to post its highest maize output ever, with the output in 2025 set to reach 70 million bags.
The projection, issued by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, indicates steady progress from 67 million bags last year and more than double the output in farmers garnered three years ago.
Kagwe, during the launch of the 2025 A.S.K. Central Kenya National Show on Friday in Nyeri, announced the surplus will give the government a chance to revamp the National Strategic Food Reserve.
Among the suggestions, he added, is buying maize from farmers directly so as to stabilize the price and have food available in the long run.
“Our farmers have worked hard, and food prices have come down. By restocking the reserves, we’re protecting households against future shortages while ensuring growers get a steady market for their produce,” he said.
He credited the record harvest to Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, which has distributed over 21 million bags worth over KSh 53 billion so far. As the cost of fertilizer dropped by up to 70 percent, farmers have collectively saved KSh 105 billion, he further stated.
6.9 million subsidized bags of fertilizer were released this year alone for the long rains season. The ministry now plans to cover more of the scheme, aiming at 12.5 million subsidized bags by 2026 to cater for all 1,450 wards of the country.
Aside from production, Kagwe appealed to farmers to use climate-resilient practices to save soils, rivers, and forests. “We must farm responsibly. Plant cover on sloping land to prevent erosion, and use approved chemicals so that our rivers are clean,” he stated in the assembly.
He further ensured exporters that Kenya is moving towards alignment with international standards, such as the EU deforestation regulations, to keep local products competitive in foreign markets.
