Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced the release of 200,000 bags of maize from the National Strategic Grain Reserve (NSR) to millers, in a move aimed at stabilising prices and averting potential shortages.
Kagwe stated that the initial consignment will be distributed through selected depots in the North and South Rift regions, with each 90-kilogram bag selling at a subsidised rate of Sh4,250.
“The stocks held by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will be allocated to Miller Associations and individual millers in 90 kg bags at a subsidised rate of Sh4,250 per bag,” Kagwe said.
“The subsidy is expected to stabilise maize and maize flour prices, cushioning Kenyans from any price spikes.”
To qualify for the subsidised maize, millers must submit key documentation, including a certificate of incorporation, tax compliance certificate, KEBS quality certificate, and details of their milling capacity.
Kagwe emphasised that millers will be required to pay 25 per cent of the total allocation upfront and provide proof of milling and flour distribution before accessing the full quantity.
“They must also submit a maize utilisation report before the payment for 75 per cent is accepted,” he added.
The CS said the NCPB began receiving payments on Thursday, May 22, with sales and collections expected to rise from Monday, May 26.
Millers are already collecting maize from NCPB depots, mainly in Eldoret and Moi’s Bridge, with instructions to begin milling and distribution immediately after payment.
This intervention follows growing concerns over a looming maize shortage and rising prices. The government recently approved the importation of 5.5 million bags of yellow maize to ease pressure on the demand for white maize, which is also used in animal feed production.
