The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has announced new maize purchase prices ahead of the harvesting season.
In an internal memorandum dated Tuesday, September 23, NCPB set the purchase price for Grade I and II maize at Ksh1,944 per 50kg bag in bulk.
On the other hand, farmers delivering maize already bagged will receive Ksh2,269 per 50kg bag, inclusive of the cost of gunny bags provided by NCPB.
As such, after deduction of the 1% County Government Cess, the payable amount to farmers stands at Ksh1,924.50 for bulk and Ksh2,249.50 for bagged maize.
In addition, NCPB set the purchase price for a 90kg bag of maize at Ksh4,050.
According to NCPB, the new prices took effect immediately from Tuesday, and replace all previous circulars.
“The guidelines for maize intake have been approved by the Managing Director and communicaled under separate cover Ref: NGPB/2/14/2/VOLiII/21 dated 19th September 2025. Please be guided accordingly,” the memo read.
This comes months after the government released 200,000 bags of maize from the National Strategic Grain Reserve (NSR) to millers in a bid to cushion Kenyans from rising flour prices and potential maize shortages
In a statement on Monday, May 26, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the move, stating that the maize will be distributed to millers at a subsidized rate.
“The stocks held by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will be allocated to Miller Associations and individual millers in 90 kg bags at a subsidized rate of Ksh4,250 per bag. The first batch will be distributed through select depots in the North and South Rift regions,” he said.
In a move to ensure transparency and fair distribution, Kagwe noted that millers will be required to meet strict criteria before allocation.
“To be considered for allocation, millers will be required to indicate their milling capacity, present a certificate of incorporation, a tax compliance certificate, and a KEBS quality certificate,” he continued.
Kagwe further noted that the payment and distribution process has already begun and is expected to intensify in the coming days.
“NCPB started receiving payments for the maize on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, with sales and collections expected to increase starting Monday, 26th May 2025. The subsidy is expected to stabilize maize and maize flour prices, cushioning Kenyans from any price spikes,” he added.
Further, to prevent misuse of the subsidized maize, Kagwe confirmed that the ministry has implemented strict control measures.
“To deter stock hoarding, millers allocated the NSR maize are required to make an initial payment for 25% of their total allocation and provide proof of milling and distribution of flour before the full allocation is allowed. They must also submit a maize utilization report before the payment for 75% is accepted,” he further stated.
