Maize Prices Surge as 90KG Bag Hits Ksh.4400 in Kisumu and Other Towns

Kenyans should continue to brace for a tough time ahead as the cost of Maize hits a record high of up to 4,400 shillings per 90Kg in some parts across the country.

This is an increase of about 600 – 700 shillings from the 3600 shillings for a 90Kg bag in January.

These prices are the highest the millers have had to buy maize since 2017, when the prices shot to 4000 shillings due to the then maize crisis.

Across the major cities, a 90Kg bag of maize varies as follows:

According to Eastern Africa Grain Council executive director Gerald Masila, a looming maize crisis in May might cause a shortage of the commodity in the country.

The maize that millers are currently getting from the neighboring country Tanzania is not enough to sustain the annual demand. Yet, the next harvest the country expects from the South Rift in areas such as Sotik will come into the market from around July to August.

The projected outlook is worrying as millers warn that even when the country’s maize produce hits the market in July, prices will still be high, and the maize will get swept out immediately due to the looming shortage.

Millers are now calling upon the government to intervene and allow the importation of about four million bags of maize to cushion consumers from the high cost.

According to them, about 2.5 million bags could be shared amongst millers, while the remaining 1.5 million bags could be given to the Devolution ministry for relief food.

They further warned that if this intervention is not considered, then there is a likelihood of maize flour prices shooting by up to 150 shillings for a 2Kg packet in the future.

A spot check by Soko Directory in various shopping outlets shows that a 2-kilogram packet of Pembe, Ahab, and Jogoo maize flours now retail at 144 shillings, 148 shillings, and 140 shillings, respectively.

Soko is at 146 shillings, and Ndovu and Dola are at 125 shillings each. Kifaru is at 142 shillings, while the premium brands of Hostess and Amaize maize meal are 165 and 167 shillings, respectively.

The rise in the staple food price adds to an already costly shopping basket for consumers who are grappling with the high cost of other staples such as sugar, cooking oil, and milk, a move likely to trigger inflation.