Farmers have warned of an oncoming maize shortage which will last for the next four months. They have attributed this shortage to low production of maize and high purchases by traders last year.
Traders buy from farmers, then export it to the neighbouring countries facing a maize shortage.
Maize prices have increased to about Sh3,000 per 90Kg in the North Rift region.
“Farmers are happy at the moment because we have better prices in the open markets due to the ongoing heavy purchase by traders and the fact that last year’s production dropped by about 10 million bags,” Kenya Farmers Association Director Kipkorir Menjo told The Star.
Mr Menjo pointed out that no maize was imported to the country in the previous year leading to fair prices. However, he warned that it will soon be depleted since it is not surplus.
Farmers have advised the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) under Dr Noah Wekesa, to ensure that the maize that is imported does not flood the market.
"We urge the board to ensure that only the required quantities will be imported and the flood gates won't be opened so we end up with excess maize in the market," farmer Thomas Korgoren said.
Farmers harvested 34 million bags of maize in 2019. This is 9 million lesser than the usual 43 million Bags. The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is yet to buy maize from the farmers despite the impending scarcity.
Dr Wekesa of SFR has said that they will not interfere with the open market though they are planning to buy 4 million bags to add on the present 2.5 million bags since NCPB is required to have 5 million bags at any given time.
Farmers are currently using the drying machines of the board at a fee.
Moiben legislator, Silas Tiren told SFR to regulate maize imports to ensure that the local agricultural sector is stable.