Kagwe Mulls Duty-Free Import of 3 Million Tonnes of Maize Amid Production Crisis

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is weighing a request by the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) to allow the duty-free importation of three million metric tonnes (MT) of white maize as Kenya faces its lowest production in seven years.

CMA has asked the Government to gazette the three million tonnes, arguing that a duty-free window would lower landed costs, expand sourcing options and help millers maintain affordable maize flour prices.

Speaking during a grain-sector meeting convened by Kagwe, CMA Chief Executive Officer Paloma Fernandes said only six major maize-producing counties are expected to deliver more than one million bags during the current season.

“This is the steepest decline in production and it is huge for us,” Fernandes said.

CMA wants the duty-free window to remain open for nine months, giving importers time to secure supply contracts, financing and shipping arrangements.

The association also wants millers to source non-GMO white maize from regional and international markets depending on availability and price.

Kagwe backed consideration of the nine-month window, saying the Government needs to act early to secure adequate supplies.

“We cannot afford not to have maize,” the CS said.

Zambia, Tanzania Emerge as Sourcing Options

Zambia and Tanzania are among the immediate regional markets being considered as Kenya looks for additional maize supplies.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Lilian Tomitom, confirmed that Zambia has maize available and said Kenyan traders operating in Zambia and Malawi are ready to facilitate supplies to local millers.

Kagwe called for discussions with the Zambian Government to lower the source price and address the cost of transporting maize into Kenya, which remains a challenge in making Zambian grain competitive.

CMA also raised concerns about relying heavily on Tanzania, noting that the country can impose export restrictions when its own stocks tighten. Such measures could affect maize from Tanzania as well as grain moving from Zambia through Tanzanian routes.

Also Read: Why CS Kagwe Has Set Tough Conditions for Uganda Maize Imports

Fernandes urged the Government to give importers flexibility to source from alternative international markets if regional supplies become constrained.

Uganda is also being considered as an immediate source of maize. Kagwe said the country is well positioned to supply part of Kenya’s needs but called for better drying of the grain before it crosses the border because of moisture and aflatoxin concerns.

Kenya has meanwhile announced plans to import one million 90-kilogram bags to replenish strategic reserves after adverse weather disrupted the 2026 harvest.

Government Targets Yellow Maize for Feed

Alongside the proposed white maize imports, Kagwe said the Government is keen on gazetting 360,000 metric tonnes of yellow maize specifically for animal-feed manufacturing.

Moving feed manufacturers towards yellow maize would reduce their demand for white maize, which is also used for human consumption and maize flour production.

Kagwe said the Government also wants to build up its grain reserves.

Millers have separately asked the Government to settle approximately KSh4 billion they say remains outstanding from a subsidy programme implemented about five years ago.

According to the millers, payment of the outstanding funds would strengthen their ability to restock.

The maize supply concerns are occurring alongside pressure in the wheat sector, prompting calls for increased domestic wheat production.

Kagwe said the Government is also exploring longer-term regional sources suitable for commercial wheat production. AFA Kenya will organise a retreat to examine ways of increasing local wheat output through measures including mechanisation, irrigation and improved productivity.

Kagwe Demands Faster Maize Testing

As Kenya considers increasing maize imports, Kagwe stressed that all grain entering the country must meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, particularly standards on moisture and aflatoxin levels.

“Do not bring maize that is not going to pass the tests. There should be no maize in our stores that has been condemned,” he said.

Also Read: Govt to Import 25 Million Bags of Maize as CS Kagwe Unveils New Programme

The CS called for laboratory testing to be accelerated so that maize quality can be established in about 10 minutes instead of procedures that can take four hours or, in some cases, several days.

He also called for one-stop border processes to reduce clearance delays of between three and five days, which add to transport, storage and financing costs.

“Government must operate at the same pace as the private sector for efficiency,” Kagwe said.

The National Cereals and Produce Board has indicated that storage capacity equivalent to approximately two million 90-kilogram bags is currently available as the Government works to strengthen the country’s grain reserves.

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Cereal Millers Association (CMA) Chief Executive Officer Paloma speaking during a grain-sector meeting. PHOTO/ X.