The Price of Maize Flour to Increase Further, Kenyans Warned

Maize millers issue a warning to Kenyans of additional increase in the price of maize flour. They said that the maize shortage is worsening, with the cost of a 90-kilogram bag having risen to Ksh3,200 over the last two weeks.

They observed that Kenya is experiencing market conditions last seen in 2017 when a 2 kg packet of maize flour retailed at Ksh135.87.

Following the recent shortage of maize supply, Unga Limited has raised the cost of a packet flour to Ksh110, increasing the pressure on inflation and raising household expenses.

Flour prices have been on a steady incline since the beginning of the year with the price of a 90 kg bag going for Ksh2,700 from Ksh2,300 at the onset of the month.

The processor expects higher prices in coming days once the new costs are factored in, pointing out that current retail prices do not reflect the prevailing cost of maize.

The Kenyan government has blamed hoarding of the grain for the leap in prices, contending that there is enough maize after a bumper harvest the previous year.

According to the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, the government will monitor the state of affairs concerning maize flour prices as they prepare to release stocks from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Maize harvest in 2018 recorded 40.9 million bags, a 20 percent rise from the previous year. This result was expected to manifest in the form of a cheaper price of maize flour for Kenyans.