The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) began disbursing payments to maize farmers on Wednesday, alleviating liquidity pressures as the planting season approaches. The board allocated Sh200 million on the first day of the program, targeting 400 farmers who delivered crops between January and February 17.
Stricter verification protocols and storage constraints delayed full implementation. NCPB communications manager Titus Maiyo confirmed that payments would expand as farmer records undergo crosschecking by the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR). Last year's payment delays, which stretched over 12 months for 2017 season crops, prompted the government to accelerate the process this year.
The SFR released Sh4 billion to facilitate payments, with NCPB aiming to procure 2 million maize bags to replenish reserves. However, only 12% of the target—240,000 bags—had been secured by Thursday. Storage limitations at 30 depots lacking silos exacerbated the challenge, requiring 2.5 million additional bags.
The Ministry of Agriculture requested Sh400 million from the Treasury to purchase gunny bags, a request approved by the SFR. Affected regions include the former Western Province, South Rift, and North Rift, where NCPB operates multiple depots. To prevent market manipulation, the board limited purchases to 400 bags per farmer, targeting small-scale growers over large traders.
