KENYA—According to a recent summary of the State Department for Agriculture’s food situation report, surplus stocks of Kenyan maize may increase by more than 28.3 million 50kg bags during the 2023–24 marketing season, erasing any fear of an imminent food crisis in most parts of the country.
The abundance of maize has driven prices down, affecting the retail prices of common pulses like beans and peas, thus alleviating fears of a food crisis in most parts of the country.
“The decline in prices is attributed to good maize production in 2023. By the end of June, the average retail price of a two-kilo packet of unga was KES129 in supermarkets in Nairobi,” the report outlines.
Additionally, the wholesale price for a 90kg bag of maize dropped from KES3,450(US$26.72) in May to KES3,250 (US$25.17) in June, with further declines expected after the harvesting period.
“The prices of basic staples, especially cereals and pulses, continued to decline in June as farmers who had been holding onto stocks in anticipation of better prices decided to release them into the market,” the report explains.
Released this week, the report attributes the growing surplus to favourable growing conditions across the country, which have resulted in a bumper crop.
The new marketing season, which began in June, has already seen a significant carry-over of 35.2 million bags. Projections indicate that this carry-over may double by September, driven by near-record crop yields and a sharp drop in maize exports.
The Food and Nutrition Security Report highlights that extensive rains have restored topsoil moisture, and cooler-than-normal temperatures have boosted vegetative growth, leading to higher yields.
“The improved maize crop production in 2023 and increased local supplies of most food staples are impacting the importation of basic staples, showing a general declining trend since January 2024,” the report states.
The report further notes a decline in maize import demand, from 516,151 (50kg) bags in May to 389,778 bags, compared to 633,555 bags imported in March.
This reduction is attributed to ample yields, as low-altitude counties such as Bomet, Narok, Nyamira, and parts of Migori are set to harvest approximately 20.5 million bags planted early in January.
This bumper crop and surplus are positive indicators for food security in Kenya, as they promise stability in staple food prices and availability, potentially shielding the country from the adverse effects of food shortages and price spikes.
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