Francis Wambugu Irungu The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to traders hoarding maize, giving them a 30-day deadline to release their stocks into the market or face consequences that could reshape the country’s grain supply chain.
Agriculture and Livestock Production Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe delivered the ultimatum on January 27, 2026, cautioning that failure to comply will prompt the government to import duty-free maize to stabilize both supply and prices of the staple commodity across the nation.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over artificial scarcity despite a successful harvest season. CS Kagwe emphasized that the government’s primary objective remains purchasing locally produced maize to bolster the Strategic Food Reserve, with Sh1.7 billion allocated to acquire 1.7 million bags at Sh4,000 per bag.
However, the initiative has encountered significant obstacles. “Only 186,000 bags have been delivered so far,” Kagwe revealed, attributing the substantial shortfall to widespread hoarding and market speculation by traders seeking to manipulate prices.
To address post-harvest challenges and mitigate aflatoxin contamination risks, the government announced several interventions. Maize dryers are being redeployed to high-production zones, and farmers will be allowed to dry their maize at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) facilities at minimal cost. Additionally, millers will be permitted to lease dryers, a move aimed at reducing the rejection of locally produced maize.
The CS highlighted a significant production breakthrough, noting that maize output more than doubled following the distribution of 9.1 million bags of subsidized fertilizer during the 2025 season. To improve fertilizer accessibility, counties will now register agro-dealers to enhance last-mile distribution.
“An instant payment system for agro-dealers is also being finalized with the National Treasury, World Bank and commercial banks,” Kagwe stated.
Regarding rice and wheat, the CS reiterated that locally produced grain must be purchased before any imports are permitted. Kenya currently produces approximately 20 percent of its rice requirements and 10 percent of its wheat needs, highlighting the critical importance of expanding domestic production capacity.
The government is also implementing nationwide soil mapping to guide crop-specific fertilizer application and has directed NCPB to urgently address system inefficiencies that have been slowing grain intake.
“Food security is not optional. We must produce, store and market our food responsibly,” CS Kagwe affirmed, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring stable food supplies for all Kenyans.
