In a strategic move to support local wheat farmers and boost production, the Kenyan government has imposed a ban on wheat imports, ensuring that millers will only be allowed to bring in wheat after fully utilizing the local supply. This decision was announced by Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kipronoh Ronoh in Eldoret, signaling a shift toward prioritizing local agricultural output over cheaper foreign imports.
Key Details of the Ban and Government’s Plan
Under the new directive, millers are required to first process the locally produced wheat before importing any wheat. This policy is intended to safeguard the interests of local farmers, who have faced challenges due to the influx of cheap imported wheat that has disrupted market prices and often left them at the mercy of millers.
Kenya currently produces around 2.2 million metric tonnes of wheat annually, which accounts for only 5% of the country’s local demand. The remainder is typically met through imports. The government’s ban aims to close this gap by encouraging domestic wheat production and addressing issues such as delayed payments to farmers, which has further undermined their livelihoods.
Challenges Faced by Wheat Farmers in Kenya
In recent years, wheat production in the Rift Valley—Kenya’s breadbasket—has experienced a significant decline. Last season, the region produced 4.5 million bags of wheat from 127,825 hectares, well below its potential output of 6.2 million bags. Key challenges contributing to this shortfall include climate change, rust diseases, and market volatility, which have led to a reduction in acreage devoted to wheat cultivation, particularly in Uasin Gishu County, a major wheat-producing area.
Many farmers have also raised concerns about the high cost of production and the inadequate payment rates offered by millers. In response, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has increased the minimum purchase price for wheat, raising it by Sh100. Millers are now required to pay Sh5,300 per 90kg bag for Grade 1 wheat, with Grade 2 wheat priced at Sh5,200. However, farmers remain dissatisfied, with some pointing out that the price offered during the harvest period was only Sh4,800, which does not fully offset the rising production costs.
Implications for the Wheat Industry and Consumers
This policy, while supportive of local farmers, has had some unintended consequences. Bread prices have risen, with a 400-gram loaf now costing Sh80 (up from Sh70) and an 800-gram loaf priced at Sh130 (up from Sh120). The rise in wheat flour prices has been attributed to the reduced supply of wheat flour and increased production costs. Bakers have expressed concerns that the new policy, while beneficial in the long term, may result in short-term price increases for consumers.
To further support local wheat production, the government has also imported one million bags of subsidized fertilizer for distribution in key agricultural areas. This is expected to improve soil health and boost yields during the upcoming short rain planting season. Additionally, the Kenya Seed Company has made 28 million kilograms of maize seeds available for January planting, with plans to produce an additional eight million kilograms to meet the growing demand.
The Broader Agricultural Agenda
The government is also focusing on other crops to address food security challenges. Maize production has been prioritized, with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) purchasing Sh336 million worth of maize from farmers to build up reserves. Additionally, there are plans to eliminate maize imports by 2025, as part of efforts to reduce the country’s Sh500 billion annual food import bill.
While the government remains optimistic about the potential for a bumper maize harvest, farmers in regions like North Rift have raised concerns about challenges such as substandard fertilizer and erratic weather.
A Step Toward Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
The government’s decision to ban wheat imports is a bold step aimed at protecting local farmers and boosting wheat production in Kenya. While this policy may lead to short-term challenges, such as higher bread prices, it aligns with the broader goal of achieving agricultural self-sufficiency and reducing the country’s reliance on imports. With continued support for farmers and strategic investments in fertilizer distribution, seed supply, and irrigation systems, Kenya can gradually reduce its wheat import dependency and improve food security for its growing population.
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