Kenya’s maize shortage pushes up prices in Uganda

[Da Dona]

Kenya’s decision to facilitate the importation of up to 25 million bags of maize to address a looming food shortage is raising concern in Uganda, where maize prices have also been climbing.

Kenya normally consumes about 70–75 million 90kg bags of maize annually, but prolonged drought has severely affected production in major maize-growing areas, including the North Rift, Laikipia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia.

In Trans Nzoia alone, about 20,000 hectares of maize were destroyed, while Uasin Gishu is projecting a 60% drop in production.

What it means for Uganda
Uganda is traditionally a major maize supplier to Kenya. But increased demand from Kenya is putting pressure on Uganda’s local supply, contributing to higher prices of maize grain, maize flour and animal feed.

For farmers and traders, the higher demand may mean better prices. For ordinary households, however, it could translate into more expensive food and livestock feed.

The situation raises a key question: How can Uganda benefit from its position as a regional food supplier without making basic food increasingly unaffordable for its own citizens?

Daily Monitor UG​