- A proposed law seeks to establish a Maize Board of Kenya to regulate the maize value chain.
- The Bill would introduce licensing for millers and give counties greater roles in supporting farmers.
- New research, development and dispute resolution bodies are also proposed for the sector.
A new Bill before the National Assembly seeks to create a dedicated Maize Board of Kenya, with powers to license millers and regulate the entire maize value chain.
The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, began scrutinising the proposed Maize Bill, 2026, during a sitting at Parliament Buildings on August 6, 2026. Moiben MP Phylis Bartoo sponsored the Bill.
Currently, maize is regulated under the broader Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, alongside many other scheduled crops. Bartoo argued this arrangement has not given the crop the attention it deserves, despite its role as Kenya’s staple food and a major economic contributor.
The Bill would give maize its own dedicated legal framework instead of regulating it under the broader AFA Act, Bartoo told the committee.
“The government has supported maize farmers over the years, but they still need to be cushioned,” she said.
YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:
If enacted, the law would amend the Crops Act, 2013, to remove maize from the list of scheduled crops. It would also amend the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Act, transferring maize-related assets and functions to the newly proposed Maize Board of Kenya.
Beyond creating this new regulatory authority, the Bill proposes a Maize Research Institute to coordinate research, a Development Fund to finance sector programmes, and an Arbitration Tribunal to resolve disputes across the maize value chain.
The Bill would also hand county governments expanded responsibilities. These include registering farmers, collecting agricultural statistics, providing extension services, and monitoring pests and diseases.
The Committee is continuing its review of the Bill and will make recommendations to the House on whether it should proceed as drafted or be amended, particularly to reduce duplication with existing structures.
By Benedict Aoya
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
