A 2-Kilogram Tin Of Maize Hits Ksh 200 In Most Parts Of Kenya

For the first time in history, a 2-kilogram tin of maize has hit 200 shillings in most parts of Bungoma County and neighboring regions. This is an increase from 120 shillings two months ago. A 90-kilogram bag of maize has now hit 8,000 shillings from 4,800 shillings.

In Tongaren Constituency (where Yesu was Tongaren) comes from, 2 kilograms of maize are retailing between 200 and 230 shillings, the highest in history. In Bungoma town, the same quantity is retailing between 170 and 190 shillings in most parts.

“Despite the higher prices, it is not easy for someone to come across the commodity. Most are depending on lorries that ferry in maize from other parts of the country. The lorries come once a week and it takes just minutes for it to be cleared,” said Emily Namatore, a cereal retailer in Bungoma.

Related Content: We Don’t Have Maize To Give You – Zambia To Kenya

In Kakamega County, the price of 2 kilograms of maize is between 150 and 175 shillings in most parts such as Mumias and Ikolomani. In some areas within the county, the commodity is going as high as 95 shillings with locals seeing no hope of it coming down soon.

In Kisumu, the same quantity of maize is retailing between 170 and 200 shillings. The same is replicated in Siaya and Migori. In Kitale, the price is relatively low with a 2-kilogram tin going for 140 and 150 shillings, the same in Eldoret town.

Related Content: Government Is Set To Provide Cheap Maize And Rice From April

The government has promised to provide Kenyans with affordable maize during the month of April but nothing has been forthcoming. The government was hoping to import maize from Zambia but the government of Zambia has since disputed there being such as agreement.

The short rains that had brought some hope to farmers across the country have since disappeared with Kenya Meteorological Department predicting fewer harvests this year.