Kenya is facing looming food price hikes as production of key staples like maize, millet, and potatoes declined in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Maize output dropped 6.1% to 44.7 million bags due to erratic short rains, while millet fell to 0.7 million bags from 1 million, and potato output slipped 4.3%.
The decline has pushed maize prices higher, with loose grain and fortified flour rising by 5.8% and 6.5% respectively, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
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In response, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe announced maize releases from strategic reserves and approved imports from Tanzania.
Meanwhile, beans and sorghum production grew by 4.2% and 22.7%, respectively, offering some relief.
Sugarcane farming recorded a major boost, nearly doubling output to 9.4 million tonnes following a surge in acreage and favorable weather after mill closures in late 2023.
With harvest season around the corner, all eyes are on whether supply will stabilize food prices and ease pressure on households and SMEs.
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