Nairobi — The Kenyan government will import one million bags of 90 kilograms of maize to bridge an expected deficit amid depressed rains in crop-growing regions.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the consignment will go towards the national strategic reserves.

The CS projected a maize deficit of 5.4 million bags by the end of next month.

The country has experienced depressed rainfall in maize-growing areas of the North Rift, with crops withering as farmers face expected losses that could run into billions of shillings.

Kenya's annual maize consumption is between 50 million and 60 million 90-kilogram bags, driven by high per capita consumption of 103 kilograms, against local production capacity of between 34 million and 42 million bags.

The shortage of maize could be exacerbated as experts predict an El Niño phenomenon in the country in the coming months, which could cause further crop damage through heavy rains and flooding.

The last time Kenya recorded the highest price for a 90-kilogram bag of maize was in 2022, when it peaked at Sh6,000 due to severe drought, supply deficits and high input costs.

Currently, a 90-kilogram bag of maize in Kenya costs between Sh3,000 and Sh4,500. However, prices could rise if demand for maize outpaces supply.