Kenya Raises Wheat Price to Boost Farmer Returns Amid Decline in Harvest

The Kenyan government has announced an increase in the producer price for locally grown wheat, set to benefit over 2,000 farmers across six counties. The new price of Ksh5,100 per 90-kilogram bag is up from last year's Ksh4,750, according to a statement by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

The move aims to improve returns for wheat farmers while ensuring a stable and affordable supply of wheat to millers and consumers. The government has already begun purchasing locally produced wheat at designated aggregation centres ahead of any importation.

Kagwe noted that this year's wheat harvest is expected to decline significantly compared to last season due to unfavourable weather and a shift by many farmers to barley production. However, he said the easing of barley prices has made wheat farming more attractive again.