Kenyan Maize Farmers Rush to Sell as Prices Drop by KSh 600 Due to Cheap Imports from TZ

Maize farmers in Kenya’s North Rift region are now rushing to sell their produce after prices dropped sharply in recent weeks.

Farmers from areas like Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia say they are being forced to sell early to avoid bigger losses, as the market continues to weaken.

Prices Fall Across Key Farming Areas

The price of a 90kg bag of maize has reduced significantly, falling from about KSh 4,600 to around KSh 4,000. In some areas such as Moiben and Cherang’any, farmers are even selling at as low as KSh 3,800 per bag.

Millers in the region are currently buying maize at between KSh 4,000 and KSh 4,100, which many farmers say is too low to make a good profit.

Cheap Imports from Tanzania Affect the Market

The drop in prices has mainly been caused by an increase in cheap maize imports from Tanzania. Reports indicate that maize from Tanzania is being sold at about KSh 3,700 per 90kg bag.

Every day, dozens of trucks loaded with maize are entering Kenya through the Isebania border, increasing supply in the market and pushing prices down.

Millers say the steady supply has helped stabilise maize availability, especially in major towns like Nairobi.

Apart from imports, the availability of alternative foods such as potatoes and cassava has also reduced the demand for maize.

This has made it harder for farmers to sell at higher prices as consumers turn to cheaper food options.

Farmers Count Losses

Many farmers had stored their maize hoping that prices would rise after harvest. However, this has not happened.

One farmer from Uasin Gishu said they expected better prices but are now stuck with maize in storage.

“We were waiting for prices to go up, but nothing has changed. Now we have no option but to sell at the current low prices,” he said.

Some farmers have started selling their maize to animal feed producers and middlemen to avoid further losses.

Government Warning Played a Role

Earlier this year, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warned farmers against hoarding maize.

He gave farmers a deadline to release their stocks, saying the government would allow cheaper imports if they failed to do so.

At the same time, the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has been buying maize at KSh 4,000 per 90kg bag.

Kenya recorded a strong maize harvest this season, producing over 70 million 50kg bags due to good weather and the use of subsidised fertiliser.

While this is good for food security, it has added more supply to the market, further pushing prices down.

What This Means for Farmers

With prices continuing to drop, farmers are now facing tough decisions. Many are choosing to sell quickly to avoid further losses, even at lower prices.