Cost of Maize Flour to Rise Further

The cost of maize flour will likely rise now that Kenya has begun the importation of maize to address the shortage. The country only recently allowed the importation of 99% non-GMO yellow maize.

Most consignments come from the borders of Busia while others come into the country through Namanga in Tanzania.

Before, maize used to leave Kenya for Uganda. Now, traders are counting up to 20 trucks of maize coming into Kenya from the Cereal Market in Busia and some from Kampala, Uganda.

Tanzania however is sending in less trucks since it made a decision to restrict the export of staples due to high demand in their country.

South Africa on the other hand, which experts say is the remaining option, mostly produces GMO Maize.

Kenya is targeting to import up to 540,000 tonnes of maize this year, the highest since 2017 when a shortage caused us to import from Mexico.

This year’s shortage was caused by a number of factors including expensive fertiliser, invasion of armyworms and the prolonged drought in the country.

The median price of a 2kg packet of maize flour, which is used to prepare the staple dish ugali, was Ksh150 this year compared to Ksh120 a year ago. This is according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (KNBS)

Currently, a 2kg packet of maize flour is retailing at Ksh167.