Kagwe allays fears over increase in unga prices
By Lutta Njomo, May 5, 2025Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe dismissed reports that maize flour prices would increase significantly in the coming days.
Speaking at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) at the UN offices in Nairobi on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Agriculture CS urged Kenyans not to panic that the prices of maize would increase, eventually resulting in a sharp surge in unga costs.
Addressing the press, Kagwe assured the country that the government had enough stock to sustain the country during the rainfall season till harvesting time.
He explained that the government would release maize from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) strategic reserves to millers to help stabilise prices.
“We will make sure the price does not go up by releasing the strategic maize reserves we have,” he assured the citizens.
His sentiments came after maize flour increased in some parts of the country. A 2 kg packet, which in January 2025 retailed at Ksh120, is now retailing at around Ksh140- Ksh150.
The recent report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), showed that a two-kilogram packet of fortified maize flour retailed at an average of Ksh169.41 in April, up from Ksh165.05 in March, marking a 2.64 per cent increase.
However, the CS assured the nation that the packet would not increase further.
Hoarding of maize
The CS pointed an accusing finger at some farmers hoarding maize, expecting the price to shoot up before releasing to the market. However, the CS maintained that it would not happen.
“We are aware of the maize stocks in the country and that some individuals are holding maize, hoping prices will rise. Unfortunately for them, that will not happen,” Kagwe noted.
Nonetheless, the ministry also hinted at importing maize from the neighbouring nations to sustain the country till peak harvesting season.
Lowering unga prices was among the key objectives of President William Ruto’s administration. Bold interventions helped lower a 2kg packet of unga from over Ksh220 to Ksh140.
The prices have remained steady for a while until the recent increase.
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