File photo of a maize farm that has not been harvested. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has received only 60,000 90kg bags of maize from farmers since it opened its depots across the country.
According to the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, NCPB has been receiving low quantities of maize as ongoing rains in most parts of the country has delayed harvesting.
North Rift region, the country's breadbasket has been receiving heavy rains for the past one week.
The maize already delivered at the NCPB also has a high level of moisture content due to the rains.
"The produce from farmers has a moisture content of up to 20 percent but we are only allowing consignment with 18 percent, which has to be dried before being taken to the silos," an NCPB official was quoted by the Nation.
"The bulk of the maize that we are receiving now is from the border regions of Western province as most of the maize in Uasin Gishu and Trans-Nzoia are not dry enough to be harvested," he added.
NCPB intents to buy about 2.4 million bags of maize from farmers this year with the farmer pocketing sh3,200 per bag.