Shortage Causes a Rise in Maize Flour Prices

Kenyans are experiencing an increase in price of maize flour as millers report low supply of maize by farmers.

The millers attribute the low supply to hoarding by farmers arguing that little is coming to the market even as purchase price increased to Sh2,700 for a 90-kilo bag. This in turn forces them to pass the cost to consumers.

Business Daily on Tuesday reported that a two-kilo packet of maize had by Monday increased to a high of Sh109 from an average Sh85 since February. “At Tuskys Supermarket, a two-kilo pack of Soko brand was retailing at Sh109, while Kifaru and Jogoo went for Sh104 and Sh101 respectively.” reported the daily.

Currently, the price of a bale of maize flour has shot from an average of Ksh 980 to Sh1,110 with millers issuing a warning that the price would climb further.