Drought Drives Up Food Prices as Kenya Faces Maize Shortfall
Kenya's food prices rise amid drought, with maize costs up 3.3% in July; government plans imports to offset a 25 million bag deficit.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 23, 2026
3 min read
Food prices in Kenya have surged as prolonged drought conditions severely impact crop yields in major farming regions, raising concerns over food security and grain availability.
According to the AGRA July Food Security Monitor, maize prices increased by 3.3% in July, while beans rose between 2.4% and 2.9%. Rice prices edged up slightly by 0.3%, but wheat prices declined by 1.5% due to improved imports and harvests.
Data from the Kenya Agricultural Market Information System (KAMIS) shows that a 90 kg bag of dry maize is currently wholesaling between KSh 2,200 and KSh 4,500. Beans range from KSh 5,000 to KSh 5,600 per bag, finger millet fetches about KSh 11,700, and green grams go for around KSh 7,000. Irish potatoes, particularly the Shangi variety, average KSh 4,600 per bag, with prices varying by sack size.
Drought Impact and Government Response
The drought has devastated crops in areas like Baringo County, where maize harvests have declined by up to 75%, and in some lowland zones losses reach 80%. This shortfall is expected to tighten national grain supplies further.
To mitigate the anticipated deficit of nearly 25 million bags of maize, the government has arranged to import the required quantities. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized that Kenya's annual maize consumption is about 75 million bags, and the imports aim to stabilize the market and protect consumers from price spikes.
"We have already made arrangements for maize imports and will manage the country’s food supply to avoid shortages," Kagwe stated.
Market and Production Outlook
A local miller warned that continued supply constraints could push up prices of processed foods, urging swift government action to prevent further price hikes amid widespread low purchasing power.
Kagwe noted that while imports provide immediate relief, longer-term strategies are underway to boost domestic production through expanded irrigation projects like Galana Kulalu and by addressing tax and regulatory hurdles affecting farmers.
The AGRA report projects maize production in key North Rift and western regions to remain below average due to ongoing rainfall deficits, with losses around 15%. Although improved rains and harvests may offer localized relief later in 2026, overall recovery will be limited by persistent high prices and reduced output.
Regional Food Security Concerns
East Africa continues to face food insecurity driven by drought, conflict, rising costs, and limited aid. Ethiopia, South Sudan, parts of Uganda, and Kenya are experiencing Crisis-level food insecurity, with South Sudan most severely affected. Pastoral areas expect continued challenges through September, with some improvement anticipated after the short rains forecasted for October to December.
