- Agriculture Ministry approves importation of 5.5 million bags of yellow maize.
- CS Mutahi Kagwe says move aims to reduce pressure on white maize stocks.
- Yellow maize to be used by feed millers to lower competition with flour producers.
- Government offers 50% duty waiver and confirms all imports are non-GMO.
- A ship carrying 42,000 tonnes is expected in Mombasa soon.
- Unga prices currently at a 13-month high, retailing at Sh165 per 2kg packet.
The Ministry of Agriculture has given the green light to bring in 5.5 million bags of yellow maize. This bold move comes at a time when maize flour prices have skyrocketed, with white maize supplies rapidly dwindling across the country.
Speaking on the decision, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe noted that the plan is to ease pressure on white maize, which is the primary grain used for human consumption. The strategy? Shift feed millers to yellow maize, freeing up more white maize for flour production.
50% Duty Waiver, Non-GMO Assurance
To encourage uptake, the government has offered a 50% duty waiver on the imported yellow maize over the next 12 months. The CS also emphasized that the imports will be strictly non-GMO, easing public concerns around food safety.
“This initiative is meant to help stabilize the market and ensure that flour millers can access white maize more affordably while feed producers rely on yellow maize,” said Kagwe.
A massive shipment carrying over 42,000 tonnes is already en route and expected to dock in Mombasa soon.
Unga Prices Spike as Maize Costs Rise
The shift comes as Kenyans continue to feel the pinch at the shop. The price of a 2kg packet of maize flour has surged to Sh165.05, marking a near 3% rise since February.
Behind the spike is a combination of factors: reduced harvests, increased competition for raw maize, and hoarding by traders, according to the Cereal Millers Association.
Since December, the cost of a 90kg bag of maize has jumped by 26%, putting more pressure on household budgets.
Will the Move Lower Prices? Experts Cautious
While the yellow maize strategy is expected to ease demand on white maize, analysts are not overly optimistic. Food policy expert Dr. Timothy Njagi says demand remains high, and consumers might not feel a significant price drop soon.
“Local farmers are getting better returns due to higher prices, but that means consumers are still stretched. The solution may take time,” he explained.
Gov’t Encourages Yellow Maize Farming
In addition to imports, the Ministry plans to release stocks from the National Food Reserve to help stabilize the market further.
Farmers are also being encouraged to diversify into yellow maize, which is now in high demand from the animal feed sector.
