KENYA – Maize flour prices in Kenya have declined significantly, with the price of a two-kilogram packet of maize flour (unga) dropping to an average retail price of KES 110 (US$0.74), marking a 20% decrease from last month’s KES 139 (US$0.93).

These figures are highlighted in the monthly Food and Nutrition Security Report, which also notes that maize meal prices have remained consistently below 2023 levels.

The maize meal prices have been reducing and have remained below the 2023 prices,” the report says.

The report highlights that the availability of domestic stocks at the household level is contributing to the price stability witnessed in 2023 and 2024.

The report details fluctuations in maize prices across counties, with the average wholesale and retail prices for maize grain being KES 3070 (US$20.57) and KES 3500 (US$23.45), respectively, for a 90-kg bag.

Nairobi recorded the highest wholesale price at KES 3600 (US$24.12) per 90-kg bag, while Bungoma offered the lowest at KES 2160 (US$14.47). Retail prices displayed a similar range, with Nairobi reaching KES 4500 (US$30.15) per bag and Bungoma recording a low of KES 2520 (US$16.88).

Other staple foods have also become more affordable. Following the recent harvest, the average wholesale price for a 90-kg bag of beans has dropped to KES 9400 (US$62.98) in August from KES 10500 (US$70.35) in July.

Regional disparities in bean prices persist, with Embu offering the lowest wholesale price at KES 7200 (US$48.24) per 90-kg bag, while Kisumu reported the highest at KES 14000 (US$93.80). Likewise, Irish potatoes are retailing at an average of KES 3500 (US$23.45) per 50-kg bag, providing further relief to consumers.

The current environment, with better access to affordable food, suggests the government’s subsidy reform may be starting to yield positive effects for Kenyan consumers.

Experts anticipate that the continued support for production will further stabilize and potentially reduce food prices in the long term, easing the financial burden on households nationwide.

Earlier, the government of Kenya announced that the country is expected to witness an increase in maize production this year, driven by the national government’s continued support through its fertilizer subsidy program.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Ronoh, highlighted the success of the program, noting that maize seed growers contracted by the Kenya Seed Company have more than doubled their productivity compared to last year.

Specifically, he revealed that maize seed production has jumped from 27 million kilograms in the previous season to 70 million kilograms this year.

This increased productivity can be attributed to several factors, but one which stands out is the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme,” said the PS.

Dr. Ronoh urged farmers to fully embrace government agricultural support programmes, especially fertiliser subsidies, which he said will help them maximise productivity.

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