Food prices rise as drought tightens supplies
Food prices in Kenya are rising due to a severe drought that has significantly reduced crop production, particularly for maize and beans. The government is planning to import 25 million bags of maize to address the anticipated supply deficit.
Why it matters
Food security is a critical economic and humanitarian issue, and rising commodity prices directly impact household stability in the region.
A trader sells fresh tomatoes at Harambee Market in Kangemi./FILE
Food commodity prices in Kenya are coming under pressure as drought cuts crop production in key growing areas, raising concerns over grain supplies and household food security, according to the AGRA July Food Security Monitor.
The report shows that maize prices in Kenya rose by 3.3 per cent in July, while bean prices increased by between 2.4 and 2.9 per cent as domestic supplies tightened. Rice prices also edged up by 0.3 cent. Wheat was an exception, with prices falling by 1.5 per cent following improved import availability and harvest supplies.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture's Kenya Agricultural Market Information System (KAMIS), a 90 kg bag of dry maize is wholesaling at between Sh2,200 and Sh4,500, while a bag of beans is selling for Sh5,000 to Sh5,600, depending on the variety.
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