Nairobi — The Kenyan government has opened its doors to purchasing local maize to replenish the country’s grain reserves. The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) announced that it would buy maize at Ksh 4,000 per 90kg bag from registered Kenyan farmers. This move aims to ensure the availability of maize fit for consumption and meeting the East African quality standards.

According to Kenya News Agency, In a statement released today by Titus Maiyo, on behalf of the Managing Director, NCPB emphasized the strict adherence to the quality requirements for dry maize as per the East African Standards (EAS 2: 2017). Maiyo expressed concerns about the current heavy rains across the country, which might hinder achieving the required 13.5% moisture content in grains. He noted that maize must be physiologically mature for storage and drying, stating that the Board’s facilities could only dry maize with up to 18% moisture content.

Farmers intending to sell their produce to NCPB are advised to ensure their maize has a moisture content of at least 18% before delivery. For maize with moisture content above 13.5%, NCPB facilities with driers will offer drying services at a subsidized fee of Ksh. 70 per 90kg bag. However, depots without driers will strictly accept maize with 13.5% moisture content or below.

The Board also highlighted other essential quality parameters, including aflatoxin levels, rotten grain, and foreign matter percentages, which must conform to the specifications for Grade II quality. Besides purchasing, NCPB offers post-harvest services like aflatoxin testing, grain grading, warehousing, pest control, weighing, bagging, and standardization at competitive rates.