Kenya To Import 1 Mln Bags Of Maize As Harvest Falls

August 11, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Kenya plans to import one million 90-kilogram bags of maize to replenish national reserves after a poor harvest, Agriculture Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in a statement to lawmakers. The country’s maize deficit is projected to reach about 5.4 million 90-kilogram bags by the end of September, creating a need for additional supplies. The government may source the maize through a government-to-government arrangement, Kagwe said.

Maize yields are projected to fall by as much as 40 percent after adverse weather affected crops during critical stages of development. An early onset of the rains was followed by a prolonged dry spell that damaged crop establishment and flowering, particularly in Kenya’s main maize-growing areas. Delayed distribution of subsidised fertiliser, following supply disruptions linked to the war, also affected yields, according to Kagwe.

The government may also release maize from strategic reserves to help stabilise domestic supplies as the deficit widens. “The projected depressed yields risk widening the maize deficit in the country, requiring contingency imports or release of strategic reserves to stabilize the domestic demand situation,” Kagwe said. Bloomberg reported that the government’s planned imports come as the harvest shortfall raises concerns about supplies for the domestic market and the next planting season.

Lower production is expected to reduce farmers’ incomes, which could in turn weaken their ability to purchase agricultural inputs for the coming season. The supply pressures are also emerging as food prices remain elevated. Maize meal, used to make the staple food known as ugali, sold for between 153 shillings and 163 shillings for a two-kilogram packet in June, according to Kagwe. Kenya’s inflation accelerated to 6.5 percent in July, with higher fuel costs adding to price pressures for food and transport. The planned imports and potential release of strategic reserves are intended to help bridge the projected maize shortfall while the government responds to the weaker harvest.

Source: FSX Business News