The National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) is an agency under siege. Farmers have refused to sell their maize to the board opting for the retail market.
NCBP is buying a 90-kilogram bag of maize at 2,500 shillings while the price in major towns is between 2,800 and 4,000 shillings. Who will be stupid enough to sell to NCPB?
Farmers also say the history of NCPB where they receive maize from farmers then refuse to pay has played a role in tainting its reputation. Farmers have vowed not to risk their produce.
A time like now, a long line of trucks would be parked along the road leading to NCPB with thousands of tonnes of maize. Not anymore. The roads are as clear as Thika Road without traffic.
In Bungoma, a 90-kilogram of maize is going between 2,800 and 3,000 shillings, up from 2,400 shillings two months ago. A 2-kilogram tin is going for 70 shillings.
In Kakamega town, the price of a 90-kilogram bag of maize is between 3,200 and 3,800 shillings. Away from the town, the price varies between 2,800 and 3,000 shillings.
In Kitale town, the price of a 90-kilogram of maize is a little lower compared to other towns. The price is retailing at 2,600 shillings. Away from the town, the price is between 2,400 and 2,500 shillings.
In Eldoret town, a 90-kilogram bag of maize is retailing at an average of 2,700 shillings while in Nakuru, the price is between 2,600 and 3,000 shillings.
In Nairobi, the price is between 3,000 and 3,500 shillings. In Kisumu, the price varies between 3,500 and 4,000 shillings. In rural areas, the price is a bit lower.
In most parts of Mombasa, the price of a 90-kilogram bag of maize is retailing at 3,400 shillings. The price is expected to rise towards the end of the month of February.
Well, for Ugali lovers, especially those who love that flour right from the posho mill, there you have the prices.
READ: 90-Kg Bag Of Dry Maize Is Retailing At 2400 Shillings