The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has today announced a new maize purchasing price of Sh3,000 for a 90kg bag.
This is a Sh300 increase from the previous purchasing price of Sh2,700 per 90 kg bag of maize.
NCPB Managing Director, Joseph Kimote said payment for maize is done within 24 hours upon delivery.
He said the Board is purchasing the maize for its commercial function, and that all farmers within regions that are currently harvesting or have already harvested are encouraged to deliver their grain to the nearest NCPB depot.
“The price of Sh3,000 we are offering will enable farmers get value for the maize they deliver due to the accuracy of our weighing services," Kimote said.
Traders are currently buying maize from farmers at Sh3,000 per bag.
Kipkorir Menjo, the Kenya Farmers Association director said the price has been increasing gradually due to a rising demand for maize in the EAC region especially in Uganda and Southern Sudan where there has been a shortage.
The shortage has been caused by drought in the region.
Kimote said there are no administrative conditions for one to deliver maize to the cereal board depots, as long as the produce meets KEBS Grade I and Grade II standards.
"The Board is offering storage facilities at competitive rates and farmers can opt to store under the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) or under regular warehousing," he said.
"In addition to offering storage services, the Board also offers other grain post-harvest services such as grain drying, cleaning, grain grading and aflatoxin testing."
