Kenya to Boost Maize Production to 70 Million Bags, Outpacing Neighbors
Kenya is poised to increase its maize production to 70 million bags this year, thanks to strategic measures implemented by the government to enhance the agriculture sector.
The government has introduced several initiatives, including subsidized fertilizers and increased rainfall, with the Rift Valley and Western Kenya emerging as major food production hubs.
Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, announced that the government has procured 2.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer for the upcoming season. This is part of a broader effort to support farmers.
“Maize production rose to 67 million bags last season compared to 44 million bags in the previous season. We estimate that over 70 million bags will be produced this year,” Dr. Ronoh said.
“Government measures have led to an increase of 23 million bags in maize production over the past two years, and we expect an additional increase of at least 3 million bags this harvest season.”
Over the past two years, the government sold 8.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) at Sh2,500 per 50-kilogram bag, down from Sh7,000 three years ago.
County governments are now involved in the program, and new policies are being developed to store fertilizers on farms, allowing farmers easier access to the product.
The Rift Valley and Western Kenya are considered major maize-producing regions. However, Kenya still faces an annual maize deficit of 356,000 tons, necessitating imports from neighboring countries.
Key maize-producing counties include Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Narok, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, and Nakuru, which together contribute 50% of the national maize production.
Production has been disrupted by the Lethal Necrosis disease affecting maize, particularly in Bomet, Narok, and Kericho counties.
Despite reduced production in neighboring Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya is expected to see a 20% increase in maize production this year. The land planted with maize has increased to 2.4 million hectares in 2023 and is projected to reach 10.8 million hectares in the next five years.
“Registration of farmers through a digital platform for the subsidized fertilizer program will continue, ensuring no farmer is left behind in efforts to make agriculture the country’s main business,” Dr. Ronoh added.
Currently, 3,458,152 farmers are registered under the digital system, with numbers expected to rise. Dr. Douglas Kangi noted that there are currently only 670,000 bags of maize stored at NCPB, which is insufficient for national consumption.
“There are 35.2 million bags of maize, while 7.1 million bags are needed monthly for consumption,” Dr. Kangi said.
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