Maize is the staple food to a majority of Kenyans. It has and will always be a perfect food security not only in the county but also neighbouring nations.
With the recent announcement of maize prices by the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR), Kenyans should expect a sharp decline in the production next season.
Currently, the pricing of a 90-kilogram bag of maize is averagely Sh800 to local buyers with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) expected to start purchasing the produce at Sh2,300.
Farmers go through a lot before they harvest maize every year.
It is a shame and surprising that local farmers are selling their maize at as low as Sh800 per bag this year. This means they are unlikely to concentrate in maize farming next year. Kenyans should, therefore, expect maize shortage.
This happened last year leading to high prices of maize flour before the government chipped in. A 2-kilogram pack of unga was Sh140 in several towns but reduced to Sh90.
Farmers are likely going to venture in beans, sugarcane and shift to livestock farming. They will now prefer production of milk since its price still remain comfortable to them.
Several hectares of land will be left for livestock meaning maize production will drastically reduce. Kenyans hope the price will be increased to something Sh2,300 per bag. Otherwise, business will be preferred to maize farming.
North Rift farmers, the country's food basket are getting it rough to adjust to rising economy with lowered price of maize. This makes it hard for them to pay bills especially school fees, leaving them with no option but to look for another profitable venture.
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