KENYA – Maize farmers in Kenya have expressed concern after the price of maize started going down, following cheaper imports from neighbouring Uganda flooding the informal market that has slashed the cost by 19%.
According to sources, a 90-kilogram bag of maize that used to retail at KES 4,200 (US$28.87) is now fetching as low as KES 3,400 (US$23.4) following competition from cheap imports.
It is reported that Kenyan middlemen are buying 90 kg of maize for between KES 1500 (US$10.3) and KES 1,800 (US$12.4) in Uganda, which they later sell at between KES 3,400 (US$23.4) and KES 3,800 (US$26) locally.
They have stocked huge consignments of maize sourced from across the border, which they dry and sell to local millers.
Farmers have protested the actions, arguing that the arrival of cheap imports has seen prices dwindle, a situation that has disadvantaged them.
Confirming the concerns, Tom Nyagechega, the Kenya National Federation of Farmers (KeNFF) Commodity Representative, acknowledged that the cheap imports have affected local prices, destabilizing producers’ prices.
He complained that middlemen had taken advantage of the free market to import huge maize consignments that have affected local prices.
A spot-check by The Standard revealed that cereal traders in Kitale have stocked imported products.
Some farmers who had hoarded their maize expecting better prices are now a frustrated lot. Most producers in the region had also shunned the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) that purchases the produce at KES 4000 (US$ 27.5) per 90 kg bag, citing stringent conditions.
Those interviewed said they expected prices of last season’s stocks to appreciate, but the cheap imports have flooded the market.
“I have a stock of 1,000 bags, and I expected the price to go up, but this has not happened due to the arrival of cheap maize from Uganda,” lamented John Sigei, a farmer in Kitale.
Farmers are calling upon the government to intervene as they depend on maize sales to buy inputs for the first approaching planting season.
Trans Nzoia unveils initiatives to boost maize yields
Meanwhile, the Trans Nzoia government plans to distribute high-quality seeds to farmers in a bid to increase maize production this year by 10 per cent.
Governor George Natembeya revealed this at Kitale showgrounds after presiding over a passing out parade for the newly recruited enforcement officers.
He said the county would distribute free certified seeds to small-scale farmers in the region.
The seeds will be packed together with the subsidised fertiliser distributed by the national government and the county
Trans Nzoia is known for maize production even though other crops do well owing to its good climatic conditions. The maize planting season starts in mid-February.
“We want to completely eradicate hunger in our county. This can only be realised if we help our farmers by availing certified seeds and fertiliser,” the governor said.
The distribution of the seeds and more fertiliser will start on March 1, according to the county boss.
Natembeya’s administration commenced the programme dubbed “Mbegu initiative” last year, with beneficiaries citing an improvement in maize production. He reiterated that the programme will be expanded this season to benefit more farmers.
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