As one of Kenya’s most
vital staples, maize is
the lifeblood of many
households and the
foundation of a signi cant portion of
our economy.
Its importance cannot
be overstated: Kenyans consume
approximately four million (90kg)
bags of maize monthly, translating
to 48 million bags annually, with a
staggering value of around Sh250
billion, positioning maize as our
most traded commodity.
However, the reality of maize
production tells a different and
alarming story.
Yearly, maize
production hovers at about 20 to
30 million bags, creating an average
deficit of 18 million bags, a gap that
increasingly threatens food security.
Strikingly, this statistic is often
distorted by commingling imported
maize from neighbouring countries
with local production figures.
While the government reports of
bumper harvests in 2024, the reality
is contradictory, suggesting we stand
on the precipice of a serious maize
shortage.
Recent market trends
indicate prices at the farm gate have
soared to Sh4,000 per bag from
Sh2,500 in September 2024, a stark
reminder of the impending crisis.
The situation has been intensified
by regional dynamics.
The Southern
African Development Community
region, plagued by drought in the
2023-24 season, has forced many
countries, including South Africa,
to turn toward Tanzania for maize
imports.
With Tanzania focusing its surplus
on SADC countries, Kenya’s supply
lines are becoming increasingly
strained. Our reliance on these
regional imports culminates in a
precarious situation where, without
immediate intervention, Kenyans
could soon witness flour prices
soaring past the Sh200 mark.
What went wrong? The metrics
we rely on to measure maize
production versus consumption
are often grounded in shaky
foundations.
The National Cereals
and Produce Board has become
ineffective, with many storage
facilities standing empty, while
private entities reap the benefits of
any meagre grain reserves.
Government’s attempt to motivate
farmers to deliver maize at Sh3,500
per bag has yielded disappointing
results, with only a handful
responding.
In contrast, Tanzania
has effectively mobilised its farmers,
creating substantial stockpiles in
their National Strategic Reserves.
Moreover, competition for maize
from people, livestock (silage and
dry animal feeds) and the market for
green maize results in a significant
waste of potential food resources.
Former KAM chief executive spoke to
the Star
