This archive report was first published on 30 December 2021.
On December 30, 2021, the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) announced a significant increase in maize prices. The new purchasing price for maize is set at 3,000 Shillings per 90 kg bag, a 300 Shillings increase from the previous price of 2,700 Kshs.
This increase in the cost of maize forms 80 percent of the total cost involved in the production of flour, which is already trading at a high of over one hundred Shillings for a two-kilogram packet.
The price hike is expected to have a ripple effect on the market, with consumers likely to bear the brunt of the increase. The NCPB's decision to raise maize prices has sparked concerns among farmers and consumers alike, with many questioning the impact on food security and affordability.