The government plans to import approximately 2.25 billion kilograms of maize, equivalent to around 25 million 90kg bags, to avert a looming food shortage.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says drought has affected production in several maize growing areas.

Kagwe says arrangements are being made to import the maize because large parts of the country have experienced drought.

The government says climate disruptions, unpredictable rains and drought are increasingly threatening livelihoods and food production.

The State also wants greater investment in irrigation.

The Galana Kulalu food security project is identified as one of the government’s major irrigation priorities.

Government officials say Kenya needs to reduce reliance on rain fed agriculture.