William Ruto: Gov't To Buy 1 Million Bags Of Maize To Boost Kenya's Food Reserve

• President William Ruto's administration authorised the operationalisation of Strategic Food Reserve Regulations, 2023, to boost food security
• Ruto held a Cabinet Meeting in Kakamega that approved the purchase of one million bags of maize to support the framework
• The meeting also approved the partnership with counties and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to fast-track the supply of the KSh 2,500 subsidised fertiliser

The government has announced plans to improve food security through the Strategic Food Reserve Regulations, 2023.

President William Ruto's Cabinet said the government will purchase one million bags of maize as part of the initiative.

Maize prices

The Cabinet approved the operationalisation of the framework during a meeting held at Kakamega State Lodge on Tuesday, August 29.

"The government will purchase at least 1 million bags of maize to be maintained as part of our nation’s Strategic Food Reserve," Ruto's Cabinet said in a despatch sent to the newsroom.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is expected to announce the off-take price for the 2023 crops after consultation with key stakeholders.

The initiative also aims to stabilise food prices in the country, accelerated by supply shortages.

Kenya maize farmers expect high returns

Ruto's administration promised to lower the price of maize flour to below KSh 150 per 2kg packet.

In July 2023, Agriculture and Livestock CS Mithika Linturi said the government expect a bumper harvest following the subsidised fertiliser issued to farmers.

Linturi revealed that the government is also in talks with Zambia to import more maize and reduce a deficit of not more than five million bags.

Subsidised fertiliser

The government leveraged a production subsidy programme to support farmers and boost their yields.

The meeting approved the partnership between the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and County Governments for the “Last Mile” distribution of subsidised fertiliser.

Ruto launched the second phase of the fertiliser subsidy programme to distribute two million 50kg bags to farmers for the short rain season.

The head of state slashed the price of one bag to KSh 2,500, up from KSh 3,500 in 2022.