Maize prices in the North Rift are steadily increasing as middlemen complain of dwindling supplies.
The middlemen have increased the prices to as high as Sh3,700 per 90kg bag in the last two weeks, surpassing the Sh3,500 per bag price which is offered by the National Cereals and Produce Board.
Millers and maize dealers are anticipating that the prices will rise to over Sh4,000 within the next one month.
The NCPB, which opened its de-pots over a month ago, has recorded almost nil supplies after most farmers declined to sell their produce to the board mainly due to complications in payments.
One of the leading maize dealers in the region James Kosgey said they anticipate maize shortages which may lead to further increase in prices.
“From the market situation we have low quantities of maize although some few farmers are still holding on to their produce waiting to sell at even higher prices,” Kosgey said.
The maize traders were two weeks ago buying the produce at about Sh3,400 per 90kg bag in Eldoret but in the last few days, the prices have soared.
Farmers in the North Rift have not delivered their maize to the NCPB amid fears of possible delays in payments by the board.
Representatives of the farmers led by Kipkorir Menjo said delays in payments had scared many from selling their produce to the board.
The board had urged farmers to deliver their maize for purchase at Sh3,500 per 90kg bag but there has been no response from the farmers.
Acting CEO of the board Samwel Karogoh said the board’s depots countrywide remained open and ready to receive maize from farmers.
Karogoh said the board had initially targeted to buy 800,000 bags but would take in any amounts.
Another maize dealer Samwel Kiprop said many farmers were still holding onto their produce awaiting the prices to further go up.
Some of the large-scale farmers have lamented that with the current market price they are not able to make profits considering high cost of farm inputs.
A farmer Thomas Korgoren, said they expect the price to be about Sh5,000 per bag for them to make better returns that will enable them go back the farms this year.
He said despite the government having distributed subsidised fertiliser, the Sh3,500 price at NCPB was still low.
NCPB has now shifted its focus to prepare for extensive distribution of subsidised fertiliser to farmers ahead of the planting season which starts next month.
NCPB officials in the region have teamed up with county officials to ensure fertiliser will be easily accessed by farmers.
