Govt Announces New Wheat Price Ahead of Harvest

The government has raised wheat prices, setting the producer price to Ksh 5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for the 2026 season, up from Ksh 4,750 last year, in a move aimed at boosting farmers’ earnings while ensuring a stable supply ahead of the harvest.

In a statement issued on August 7, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said it set the new price after consultations coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), bringing together farmers, millers and other industry stakeholders.

The government said the agreement balances improved returns for producers with the need to maintain affordable prices for consumers.

“The Government has approved a producer price of KSh 5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for locally produced wheat for the 2026 season, up from KSh 4,750 last year, in a move aimed at improving farmers’ incomes while ensuring a stable and affordable supply of wheat to millers and consumers,” the statement said.

Wheat Prices to Influence Production Decline This Season

The government projects wheat production will decline to about one million 90-kilogram bags this season from 1.7 million bags recorded last year.

Officials attribute the drop to adverse weather conditions and a shift by farmers to barley farming after higher returns in the previous season.

“Approximately one million 90-kilogram bags are expected this season, compared to about 1.7 million bags harvested last year. The reduction has been occasioned by adverse weather conditions and a shift by many farmers to barley production after barley fetched about KSh 5,300 per bag last season,” the statement read.

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Price to Apply at Aggregation Centres

Authorities said the new price will apply at designated aggregation centres, where the government has already begun wheat mop-up operations ahead of any planned imports to prioritise locally produced grain.

More than 2,000 farmers in key wheat-growing counties, including Narok, Nakuru, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu, are expected to benefit from the revised pricing.

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Government Targets Sector Growth

The government said the agreement strikes a balance between the interests of producers and processors while protecting consumers and strengthening national food security.

“The Government considers the agreement a win-win outcome for both farmers and millers, as it provides better returns to producers while taking into account the need to maintain affordable consumer prices,” the statement stated.

The ministry said it will support the sector through fertiliser subsidies, mechanisation, research on high-yield seed varieties and climate-smart farming to boost productivity and reduce reliance on imports.

Mutahi Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and competitive wheat industry, saying continued collaboration across the value chain will drive long-term growth and food security.

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Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe speaking in Nyeri during the launch of modern Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) facilities. PHOTO/Ministry of Agriculture.