Government Raises Wheat Price to KSH 5,100 Per Bag

• Government Raises Wheat Price to KSH 5,100 Per Bag in Major Boost For Local Farmers

The Government has approved a producer price of KSh 5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for locally produced wheat for the 2026 season, up from KSh 4,750 last year, in a move aimed at improving farmers’ incomes while ensuring a stable and affordable supply of wheat to millers and consumers.

The decision follows extensive consultations coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) involving the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), representatives of wheat farmers and cereal millers,culminating in a consensus that balances the interests of producers,processors and consumers.

The agreed price will apply at designated aggregation centres where the Government has commenced the ongoing wheat mop-up exercise ahead of any wheat importation,reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing locally produced grain and protecting domestic farmers.

Approximately one million 90-kilogram bags are expected this season, compared to about 1.7 million bags harvested last year.

The reduction has been occasioned by adverse weather conditions and a shift by many farmers to barley production after barley fetched about KSh 5,300 per bag last season.

This year, barley prices have eased to between KSh 4,200 and KSh 4,500, making wheat production more competitive once again.

More than 2,000 wheat farmers drawn from Narok, Nakuru,Meru, Laikipia,Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu are expected to benefit from the improved producer price.

The Government considers the agreement a win-win outcome for both farmers and millers, as it provides better returns to producers while taking into account the need to maintain affordable consumer prices.

The consultative approach adopted by AFA and industry stakeholders demonstrates that collaboration across the wheat value chain can protect local production,support the milling industry and safeguard national food security.

The Government remains committed to revitalizing the country’s wheat industry and reducing dependence on imports through targeted interventions aimed at increasing productivity and lowering production costs.

These measures include expanding crop-specific fertilizer subsidies for both small-scale and large-scale wheat farmers, accelerating research and dissemination of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties through KALRO and private seed companies,promoting land commercialization initiatives particularly in Laikipia,expanding mechanization, strengthening control of destructive quelea birds,discouraging excessive subdivision of agricultural land,encouraging long-term land leasing for commercial wheat production, and promoting climate-smart agriculture.

Although wheat production growth this season is now projected at about 5 percent, compared to an earlier projection of 10 percent,the Government remains confident that these interventions will significantly expand local wheat production in the coming years and enhance Kenya’s food security.

The Ministry commends the Agriculture and Food Authority,the Cereal Growers Association,wheat farmers and cereal millers for the constructive engagement that made the agreement possible and reaffirms its commitment to building a sustainable, competitive and profitable wheat sector.

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