This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Kenyan farmers in the North Rift region are up in arms over the influx of cheap maize from Uganda, which they claim is causing them significant losses.
The maize imports from Uganda have helped to stabilise flour prices ahead of the harvest season, but local farmers are struggling to compete with the cheaper Ugandan produce.
According to data from the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network (Ratin), the quantities of maize crossing into Kenya under the East African Common (EAC) market protocol have increased significantly.
Most of the Ugandan grains enter the country through the Suam border in Trans-Nzoia County, a major maize growing zone.
Leaders from the region have petitioned the government to regulate the importation of cheap grains to cushion them from losses.
"The EAC market agreement is hurting the local farmers due to flooding of cheap produce from Uganda," said Mr Andrew Kemboi, a farmer and trader from Suam.
Erratic weather conditions and disease outbreak have been cited as reasons for the downturn in maize production in Kenya.
"The cost of maize production in Uganda is lower since no fertiliser is applied compared to our case where we have to apply the nutrients to realise better yields," said Mr Wilson Koech from Moiben, Uasin Gishu County.
The Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) Board Chairman Dr Noah Wekesa confirmed the entry of more maize from Uganda.
