This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Kenya's grain industry is facing significant challenges, with the country struggling to meet its own demand for maize. According to Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Andrew Tuimur, the country produced 43 million bags of maize last year, but demand stood at 52 million bags.
Speaking at the eighth African Grain Trade Summit in Mombasa, Dr. Tuimur highlighted the high cost of production as a major obstacle for farmers. He noted that this hinders their ability to compete fairly with growers in neighboring countries.
“We import maize so as to meet the country’s requirements,” Dr. Tuimur said.
Dr. Tuimur also cited inadequate infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and accessibility to market as other challenges affecting the grain industry. He urged farmers to adopt modern storage methods to improve the situation.
Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to pump water from the River Athi to create a new irrigation scheme in Yikitaa, Makueni County. The project, valued at Sh219 million, aims to cover 125 acres initially, with plans to expand to 12,500 acres.
Locals in Yikitaa have welcomed the project, which they say will help them overcome droughts and improve their livelihoods. The project is expected to be completed in 2021.
Elsewhere, a partnership between private firms and farmers is expected to boost rice production in Nyanza. The collaboration aims to expand rice farming by 150,000 acres in lower Kuja, Migori County, and lower Nzoia on the Busia-Siaya boundary.
