Unga Shock: How Hoarded Maize Is Pushing Food Prices Beyond Reach

The price of maize flour is rising fast across Kenya. Many households are feeling the pressure. What was once affordable is now becoming a daily struggle. At the heart of the problem is maize from the North Rift. Supplies are low. And farmers are holding back their grain.

A 90-kilogramme bag of maize that used to sell at around KSh 3,800 is now going for over KSh 4,200. In some areas, traders are even paying more. Farmers believe prices will keep climbing. So they are waiting. They want bigger profits. That decision is now shaking the entire food market.

Millers are feeling the squeeze. Their stores are running low. With less maize available, they are paying more to secure supplies. That cost is being passed to consumers. A packet of maize flour that sold at KSh 120 now costs up to KSh 160 in many shops. For millions of Kenyans, this is a serious blow.

The government is not happy. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned farmers to release their stocks within 30 days. If they do not, the state will allow duty-free imports. The aim is simple. Flood the market. Force prices down. Protect consumers.

But this move has sparked debate. Some farmers say the government is interfering too much. They argue that maize prices should be set by demand and supply. They also say imports could hurt local producers. Still, many families cannot afford to wait. Food is getting more expensive every week.

The National Cereals and Produce Board has also stepped in. It is offering KSh 4,000 for a 90-kilogramme bag. That is higher than before. But private buyers are paying up to KSh 4,400. This has made it hard for NCPB to build the national grain reserve. So far, it has bought only a small portion of its target.

Meanwhile, more than 2.5 million Kenyans are facing food insecurity. Drought has already hit hard. Now high prices are making things worse. If maize does not reach the market soon, the unga crisis could deepen.

For now, Kenyans are watching closely. The next 30 days could decide whether prices fall. Or rise even higher.