• A 90kg bag of maize is selling at between Sh5,500 to Sh6,000
• A 90 kg bag of beans is selling at between Sh12,000 to Sh14,000 in the local market
Image: JACKTONE LAWI
The prices of maize and beans remain high and have been increasing compared to the prices a year ago.
This is according to the Food Security Monitor report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). This is an assessment of the food security outlook in East Africa, West and Southern Africa.
The report indicated that the prices of maize and beans in Kenya remain high as the country goes through its lean season, in addition to macroeconomic difficulties.
“Compared to the prices 3-12 months ago, beans have seen an increase of between 20 per cent and 137 per cent, while maize prices have risen between 6 percent and 84 per cent,” the report shows.
“In April, bean prices dropped in Eldoret and Nairobi and had a minor 0.3 percent increase in Nakuru. Maize prices, on the other hand, had a low to moderate increase of 1.5-7 per cent over the same period. The combination of consecutive below-average harvests, increased demand, and macroeconomic issues are pushing prices upwards."
Timothy Njagi, a senior researcher from Tegemeo Institute said the prices of maize still remain high with a 90 kg bag selling at between Sh5,500 to Sh6,000 while a bag of beans is selling at between Sh12,000 to Sh14,000 in the local market.
He attributed the high cost of maize to a reduction in acreage under maize production, high cost of labour and fertiliser.
While speaking to the Star on Friday, Njagi said the production of beans in the country has been down while demand has been high and continues to grow.
The food security outlook indicated that the planting of long rains cereal crops has begun in some parts of South Rift.
“But farmers in the south-eastern marginal agricultural areas are worried due to the delayed and below-average seasonal rains,” the report reads.
On food trade in East Africa, the food security monitoring report showed that the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) and the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This will enhance regional integration and cross-border trade and investment.
Last month, President William Ruto appealed for the removal of barriers hampering trade in East Africa. He said that barriers at border lines were impeding the movement of people, goods, and services.
Recent statistics show that Kenya’s total exports to Tanzania posted the biggest growth among all East Africa Community (EAC) destinations in terms of absolute value last year, underlining the gains of a reset in the relations between the two countries.
Data from the Sugar Directorate indicates that the volumes imported between January and March were 93,000 tonnes against 46,000 in a similar period last year.
The report further showed that Kenya and Uganda are expected to increase their coffee exports in the marketing year 2023-24, as government efforts to increase production come to fruition.