This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
Kenya's animal feeds manufacturers are bracing for a price hike as their maize stock is set to be depleted in a week's time.
According to the Association of Kenya Feeds Manufacturers, the current stock of maize from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is on the verge of exhaustion.
Association chairperson Joseph Karuri warned that if the processors do not receive more stocks after this week, prices would further rise, forcing farmers and consumers to absorb the extra cost.
Mr Karuri attributed the expected price increase to the tight supply of maize in the market, which has significantly increased the cost of raw material.
He noted that processors are currently buying a 90-kilo bag of white maize at Sh4,000, up from the previous price of Sh3,300.
Published on July 17, 2019, by Business Daily Africa, Mr Karuri stated, 'Once we exhaust this batch of NCPB maize, then be assured that the prices of animal feeds will go up in response to the high cost that we shall be paying for the purchase of white maize.'
As a result of the maize shortage, the price of a 70-kilogramme chick marsh has shot up to Sh3,600 from Sh3,300 in April, while growers marsh is now going for Sh3,100 from Sh2,800.
Standard dairy meal is now retailing for Sh4,500 up from Sh4,200.
The association has called on the government to resolve the stalemate that has threatened the import of maize following sharp differences between the Agriculture ministry and the Strategic Food Reserve.
