Maize Prices in Kenya 2025: Current Farm Gate and Market Rates
Current and historical maize prices across Kenya. Farm gate prices, NCPB rates, and regional price differences to help you decide when to sell.
Knowing the current maize price is the first step to selling well. Prices in Kenya vary significantly by region, season, and buyer type. This page tracks current price ranges and explains what drives price movements.
Current Maize Prices (Early 2026)
Note: Prices are indicative — they change weekly. Always verify with local buyers.
| Market / Buyer | Price per 90kg bag | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|
| NCPB (government floor) | KES 2,700–3,200 | KES 30–36 |
| Private millers (bulk) | KES 2,500–3,500 | KES 28–39 |
| Local traders (farm gate) | KES 2,200–3,000 | KES 24–33 |
| Retail (consumer bags) | KES 4,500–5,500 | KES 50–61 |
Regional Price Differences
Maize prices vary across Kenya — primarily driven by production surpluses, transport costs, and proximity to milling centres.
| Region | Typical Farm Gate (90kg bag) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uasin Gishu / Trans Nzoia | KES 2,400–2,800 | High production — lowest prices at harvest |
| Nakuru | KES 2,600–3,000 | Major milling centre nearby |
| Meru / Tharaka Nithi | KES 2,800–3,200 | Smaller production zone |
| Machakos / Makueni | KES 3,000–3,500 | Deficit area — higher prices |
| Coast (Mombasa) | KES 3,200–3,800 | Import competition keeps ceiling lower |
| Nairobi (wholesale) | KES 3,000–3,500 | Distribution hub |
These ranges are based on early 2026 market conditions. Prices change constantly.
Seasonal Price Pattern
Understanding the annual cycle helps you time your sales:
Jan–Feb: ████████████ HIGH (lean season — stocks depleting)
Mar–May: ██ LOW (long rains harvest — market flooded)
Jun–Aug: ████████ MEDIUM-HIGH (stocks tightening)
Sep–Oct: ██ LOW (short rains harvest — another market flush)
Nov–Dec: ████████ MEDIUM-HIGH (stocks tightening again)
The opportunity: If you can store your maize from the March–May harvest to July–August, you can often achieve 30–60% better prices than selling at harvest time.
What Determines Maize Prices?
1. National Production
Kenya is not self-sufficient in maize in poor rainfall years. When national production is below 35 million bags, prices rise significantly. When good rains bring large harvests, prices drop.
2. Imports
Kenya imports maize (primarily from Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia) when domestic supply is short. Import prices set a ceiling — if local prices go much above import parity, imports flood in and suppress prices.
3. NCPB Buying Price
The National Cereals and Produce Board sets a government buying price each season. This acts as a floor — private buyers generally stay at or above NCPB price to attract grain.
4. Exchange Rate
Maize is a dollar-priced commodity globally. A weaker Kenya shilling makes imports more expensive, which pushes up local prices.
5. Aflatoxin Contamination
In years with high aflatoxin, millers reject contaminated grain — effectively removing a portion of supply from the market. Properly stored, clean grain commands a premium.
How to Check Current Prices
- Call your local NCPB depot — they publish weekly prices
- Visit local markets — Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru wholesale markets quote daily
- Talk to local traders — they know the current going rate
- Post on Agrisoko — buyers will tell you what they're currently paying by making offers on your listing
Making the Most of Price Cycles
Store if You Can
Use PICS bags or a metal silo. Store dry maize (under 13.5% moisture). You don't need to wait for the absolute peak — selling at KES 3,200 instead of KES 2,400 is a 33% improvement on your effort.
Know Your Break-Even
Calculate your cost of production per bag. If you spent KES 2,000 to grow a 90kg bag, selling at KES 2,200 gives you very little margin. Knowing your numbers tells you whether to hold or sell.
Use Forward Contracts
Some millers offer to buy at a future date at today's price. This reduces your price risk if you fear prices will fall. Ask local millers if they offer this.
Poultry Feed and Animal Feed Buyers
If you're near poultry or livestock farms, sell directly to them. They use large quantities and are often willing to pay slightly above miller price to secure supply. Post a listing on Agrisoko to reach local feed buyers.
See also: How to sell maize in Kenya | Maize storage guide
Turn this guide into a market decision
Check live prices, browse active supply, or look at buyer demand before you move stock.