The price of maize has continued to rise as Kenyans continue with their Christmas and New Year celebrations. Major towns have recorded an increase.
In Bungoma County, a 2-kilogram tin is going for 70 shillings in various towns, up from 50 shillings in November. The 90-kilogram bag is at 2,800 shillings from an average of 2,000 shillings.
In Kitale, the price of maize is a bit lower. A 90-kilogram bag is going for an average of 2,500 and 2,600 shillings. A 2-kilogram tin is going for 60 shillings.
Eldoret has the lowest prices compared to major towns in Kenya. The 90-kilogram bag is retailing at 2,400 shillings. Some farmers are selling it as low as 2,200 shillings.
Kisumu and Mombasa have the highest price of maize. A 90-kilogram bag in Kisumu is retailing between 3,200 and 3,600 shillings while the same is between 3,300 and 4,000 shillings in Mombasa.
In Kakamega, the price is at 3,400 shillings for a 90-kilogram bag of maize. The price is however lower in the interior of the county, such as Ikolomani at 2,800 shillings.
Nairobi, the price of a 90-kilogram bag of maize is between 2,800 and 3,000 shillings. Most maize in Nairobi are sold on a small-scale, especially in informal settlements.
The price of maize in most parts of the country is expected to drop at the beginning of January as many parents will be selling maize to raise school fees. It is then expected to rise after that.
The Kenya meteorological department has predicted that the year 2021 will be characterized by long droughts. This means that Kenya is likely to hit by an acute food shortage.
Most farmers are also rethinking their decisions to plant maize. The majority of them are thinking of abandoning the practice saying it has little value due to lower prices.
Those who have been praying for the year 2020 to melt away might soon find out that 2021 is not that different after all.