Legislators have voiced concerns about an impending food security crisis, citing plummeting maize prices during the ongoing harvest season. 

In a session held on 17^th October 2024, Hon. David Kiplagat (Soy) expressed alarm over the reduced budget allocation for strategic food reserves in the 2024/2025 budget, which he believes puts the country at risk of food insecurity.  

"Immediate action is necessary," Hon. Kiplagat stated, "to purchase maize from farmers to stabilize prices and bolster our strategic food reserves. The government must also address outstanding payments to farmers and manage old stock to accommodate the new harvest."  

"The government must set aside adequate resources for the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to purchase maize from farmers at a fair price," said Hon. Kiplagat (Soy). "This will not only support farmers but also help to build up strategic food reserves." 

He also highlighted the impending La Niña phenomenon, which could further exacerbate the situation.” The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning about an impending La Niña phenomenon, which could lead to prolonged dry spells and reduced rainfall. This could further exacerbate the food security situation, as maize production is expected to decline in many parts of the country.” 

Members of the National Assembly from the maize growing areas echoed Hon. Kiplagat's sentiments. Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben) called on the government to implement a guaranteed minimum return policy to ensure they receive a fair price for their crops. "The current price of Ksh2,800 for a 90 kg bag of maize is too low," said Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben). "Farmers need to be compensated for their hard work and investment. 

Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei (Elgeyo Marakwet County) highlighted the challenges faced by farmers with surplus maize. "It is time the government intervened to support farmers and protect them from exploitative middlemen," she urged. “With maize prices dropping, many farmers are struggling to make a return on their investment.” 

Weighing in, Hon. Adams Korir (Keiyo North), called on the government to fulfill its promise of guaranteed minimum returns for farmers. "We need to ensure that our farmers are rewarded fairly for their hard work," Hon. Korir said. "The government should allocate sufficient funds to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to purchase maize from farmers at a reasonable price." 

On his part, Hon. William Kamket (Tiaty) argued that low maize prices benefit consumers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. "We, as consumers, are happy when the price of maize is low," Hon. Kamket said, "It allows us to buy more food for our families."  

Sentiments supported by Hon. Joseph Makilap (Baringo North) who said, “It is only when the prices of maize come down that the cost of Unga reduces. Let us allow the forces of supply and demand to play freely so that pastoralists and maize farmers reap from their investments. Let us have an economy that is determined by the forces of supply and demand so that the prices of commodities in this country can be balanced.”

The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. John Mutunga (Tigania West) promised to provide a comprehensive response within two weeks. Adding that, “Guaranteed minimum return is calculated so that farmers can be encouraged to continue farming, but it must be higher than the production cost. It is a good idea to have that done.”