It is a relief for consumers and millers as maize prices stabilise following the harvest in parts of Western Kenya and the arrival of cheap produce from neighbouring countries.
The maize prices are set to decline from the current Sh5,800 per 90kg bag after the harvest of the crop in South Rift, Nyanza and Western and imports from Tanzania and Zambia.
“We’re currently receiving maize from Narok, Bomet and other parts of South Rift. The harvest of the crop in Nyanza and former Western Province has boosted our operations. The ongoing rains in several parts of the country were interrupting the smooth flow of maize from harvest zones to milling plants”. Kipng’etich Mutai, chairman of the Grain Belt Millers Association as quoted by Nation.
However, the millers still face challenges implementing the maize subsidy programme as supermarkets delay payments.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Francis Owino said Sh160.9 million has been processed for the Sh325 million invoices from 128 millers under the subsidy programme. About 3.2 million kilos of maize flour has been supplied to the market under the subsidy.
In the programme, a 2kg packet of maize retails at Sh100 instead of the Sh203 market price.
Maize prices have declined from Sh6,000 to Sh5,600 in Eldoret. The price of the product has reduced from Sh5,900 to Sh5,400 in Kisumu and Sh5,600 down from Sh5,900 in Nakuru.
Read also; Govt Extends Duty-Free Maize Imports by 2 Months.
