CS Kagwe Announces Zambia to Supply 1 Million 90kg Maize Bags as Unga Hits KSh 160

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced that the government has secured a firm commitment from Zambia to supply up to one million 90kg bags of maize to Kenya as unga prices climbed to KSh 160 per 2kg packet on Friday.

Speaking to journalists at his Nairobi office on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Kagwe said the maize consignment forms part of immediate measures to arrest the rapid escalation in flour prices that has squeezed households across the country.

“We have held successful talks with our counterparts in Zambia, and they have committed to supply up to one million 90kg bags of maize,” Kagwe said. “This is a strategic intervention to boost strategic grain reserves, support millers and bring down the cost of unga in the coming weeks.”

The CS explained that the maize will be imported duty-free under the East African Community framework and will be channelled through licensed millers for processing into affordable flour. “We expect the first consignment to arrive within the next 30 days,” he added. “This will help stabilise supply and exert downward pressure on retail prices.”

Unga prices have surged in recent weeks due to a combination of factors, including reduced local harvests, high production costs, dollar depreciation and increased demand during the festive season. A 2kg packet of sifted maize flour, which was retailing at around KSh 120–130 in late 2025, reached KSh 160 in many Nairobi outlets by Friday.

Kagwe acknowledged the hardship facing consumers. “We know many families are feeling the pinch,” he said. “KSh 160 for 2kg is unsustainable for the majority of Kenyans. That is why we are acting decisively to increase supply and ease the burden.”

The minister said the government is also engaging local farmers and millers to ramp up production. “We have released funds to the National Cereals and Produce Board to buy maize from farmers at the guaranteed minimum return price,” Kagwe said. “This will incentivise more planting in the upcoming season and reduce reliance on imports in the long run.”

Zambia, a major maize producer in the region, has in recent years become a key supplier to Kenya during deficit periods. The two countries have maintained strong agricultural cooperation through the EAC and COMESA frameworks.

Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo welcomed the deal in a statement from Lusaka. “We are happy to support our Kenyan brothers and sisters,” Mtolo said. “This maize will be sourced from smallholder farmers, helping them earn a fair price while ensuring food security in the region.”

Consumer rights groups have welcomed the announcement but urged the government to monitor retail prices closely. “Imports alone will not solve the problem if millers and traders continue to hoard or inflate margins,” said Kenya Consumers Organisation chairman Henry Kinyua. “We need price controls or strict oversight during distribution.”

The CS promised transparency in the allocation of the imported maize. “We will publish the list of millers receiving the consignment and track the flour that reaches the market,” Kagwe said. “Kenyans should report any outlets selling above the agreed price ceiling.”

The rise in unga prices has been a major public concern, with social media posts showing empty shelves in some shops and long queues at others. Economists warn that sustained high flour costs could fuel inflation and increase poverty levels, especially in urban informal settlements.

Kagwe said the government is also exploring long-term measures, including subsidised fertiliser, irrigation expansion and post-harvest storage improvements to boost local production. “We cannot rely on imports forever,” he said. “Our goal is food self-sufficiency so that no Kenyan goes hungry because of high prices.”

As the first shipment from Zambia is awaited, households hope the intervention will soon translate into relief at the retail level.