This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On November 17, 2019, the Association of Kenya Animal Feed Manufacturers (Akfema) urged the government to allow duty-free imports of yellow maize to mitigate the effects of rising animal feed prices.
The prices of animal feeds have skyrocketed, with a 70 kilogramme bag of chick mash retailing at Sh3,800, up from Sh3,300 in January, and growers mash at Sh3,300 from Sh2,800.
The association attributed the price hike to the increasing cost of white maize, which has hit Sh3,500 for a 90 kilo bag, up from Sh2,800 three months ago.
According to Martin Kinoti, secretary general of Akfema, the government's failure to approve the importation of yellow maize after a memorandum was presented in August has exacerbated the situation.
“Politics should be kept aside and pave the way for immediate importation of yellow maize so as to save farmers from the high cost of animal feeds,” Kinoti said.
Joseph Karuri, the lobby chairman, warned of a potential shortage of maize from the current season crop, coupled with high prices of the commodity.
“There would be no reprieve for farmers next year given the fact that a 10 million bag deficit has been projected from the current crop season, which means there will be a lot of pressure on price, which will keep the cost of feeds up unless we get an alternative,” Karuri said.
Animal feed prices are currently at a three-year high, with manufacturers warning of further rise if there is no immediate intervention, following high cost of white maize, which is used in making feeds as well as human flour, hence creating tight competition for the limited stocks.
