Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh said the ban will remain until millers buy all local wheat. Millers must pay farmers promptly and offer fair prices. “No miller will import wheat until local produce is fully used,” said Dr. Ronoh in Eldoret.
The government aims to boost production and protect farmers from exploitation. Kenya produces 2.2 million metric tonnes of wheat annually. This meets only 5% of the demand, with the rest imported. Dr. Ronoh admitted some farmers face delayed payments. He assured that millers are working to resolve the issue.
Rift Valley’s wheat production dropped to 4.5 million bags last season. This came from 127,825 hectares, below the potential of 6.2 million bags. Uasin Gishu County’s wheat acreage fell from 40,000 to 18,000 hectares. Farmers blame rust, climate change, and market instability.
The government raised the minimum price for grade 1 wheat to KSh 5,300 per 90kg bag. This is up from KSh 5,200 last season. However, millers often pay only KSh 4,800 during harvest. Farmers argue this is too low.
Bread prices have risen by 16% due to reduced wheat flour supplies. A 400g loaf now costs KSh 80, up from KSh 70. An 800g loaf now sells for KSh 130, up from KSh 120.
To boost production, the government distributed one million bags of subsidized fertilizer. Farmers in Bomet, Narok, and Bungoma benefited. Kenya Seed Company plans to add 8 million kilograms of maize seeds to meet demand.
Dr. Ronoh said the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) paid farmers KSh 336 million for maize deliveries. He assured that farmers are ready for the next planting season.
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