Kenya: Spotlighting on maize and high cost of agricultural production

Maize, whether as grain or flour, is the staple food in most Kenyan homes. Without it, there is literally no food! Yet production, accessibility and management of this much-loved staple, has over the years faced many challenges. For many years, maize farmers have encountered difficulties, most of them not of their own making, as they have become like pawns in a never-ending chess game. From the unending political intrigues, corruption, competition from imports, a high cost of production, lack of or use of very expensive fertiliser, low maize prices, and the Fall armyworm invasion, they have endured it all with far-reaching consequences for the consumer. In mid last year (2022), maize grain consumers witnessed the highest costs of maize and flour ever witnessed in Kenya. While the grains have lately been retailing at Ksh3,000, this year’s prices rose to about Ksh7,000 for a 90kg bag. The maize flour price usually retails at between Ksh90 and Ksh110, but doubled to about Ksh220. ...