The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Bungoma County Senator David Wakoli has engaged the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to review Kenya’s food security status, focusing on grain reserves, storage, and post-harvest management.
Members were informed that the National Grain Reserve currently has no maize stocks, with only 1,942 bags of beans in reserve.
NCPB has been allocated Ksh1.22 billion to purchase maize and other staple crops during the upcoming harvest. Projections for maize inflows are dependent on the ongoing planting season and weather conditions, with plans to procure 4.5 million bags once harvesting begins.
NCPB outlined its preparedness, with storage capacity for 6.7 million bags across key regions and new aflatoxin testing labs in Bungoma, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Meru.
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However, operational gaps were noted, including non-functional and vandalized dryers in Webuye and Maua, and issues with access to drying facilities in areas still relying on sun drying.
The Board also discussed post-harvest measures, including moisture testing, dryers for safe storage, and pest control. While most depots are not prone to flooding, drainage challenges were noted, particularly at Kipkabus Depot.
To support farmers, the government has raised the minimum maize price from Kshs. 3,500 to Kshs. 4,000 per 90kg bag, and payments are processed within 48 hours.
The Committee emphasized the need for continued investment in storage, drying, and handling infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food security.
By Obegi Malack
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