Kenyan Millers Address Local Wheat Farmers’ Dispute, Issue Fresh Demands
The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) has disputed media accusations that its members are the root cause of wheat producers’ problems.
In a statement issued Thursday, the CMA denied that they prioritized wheat imports, leaving local farmers stranded with their grain.
“The claims that millers prioritise imports over local wheat are unfounded and misleading,” CMA’s statement read.
“Data clearly shows that millers have purchased nearly all available local wheat, with imports being essential to bridge the country’s wheat deficit.”
WHEAT PURCHASE PROGRAMME
— Agriculture and Food Authority-Kenya (@kenya_afa) March 4, 2025
Empowering Kenyan Farmers!#BETAKILIMO #MkulimaKwanza pic.twitter.com/DbeIwApvva
According to a CMA infographic, locally grown wheat accounted for an average of 6.05 percent of overall consumption during the last seven years.
According to the millers, this figure has risen to 7% following a record harvest season.
According to the data, 86% of the expected annual local produce was purchased between July 2024 and February 2025.
NAROK WHEAT FARMERS AT RELIEF.
— Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development (@kilimoKE) March 5, 2025
Narok Farmers have welcomed the directive by the CS Mutahi Kagwe to take their 321,000 bags to the National Cereals & Produce Board and receive their payments within 30days. pic.twitter.com/rrReIRo3MF
In its statement, the CMA also made recommendations to the government on how to prevent market inefficiencies.
They firmly believe. For example, the CMA wants the government to reconcile wheat pricing with production costs.
“Output prices should be driven by market forces to reflect supply and demand dynamics, ensuring efficiency and sustainability,” the millers added.
“This approach will enhance food security and support the long-term viability of wheat production.”
Furthermore, the millers emphasized the importance of improved data management and cooperation in the wheat sector to inform better policy decisions.
Their declaration came only days after the government, through Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, declared that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will begin collecting 321,000 sacks of wheat from farmers across the nation.
ALSO READ:
- United States Sets Travel Restriction On 3 Separate Dozens Of Countries
- Kenyan Police Killed, Another Wounded And Their Rifles Stolen in Mandera
- ‘Stop Early Campaigns!’ – Raila Tells Politicians
- ‘My Work Is In The Senate!’ – Senator Sifuna Speaks On Missing Ruto’s Nairobi Tour
- Autopsy Reveals Body Injuries On Man Killed By Ruto Motorcade’s Hit-And-Run
Farmers were also directed to deliver their wheat to NCPB warehouses around the country, beginning March 4, 2025.
The measure would have an impact on millers because they are obliged to collect wheat from the NCPB, while farmers get paid within 14 to 21 days.
While claiming that some recent wheat decisions in the country were incorrect, the CMA urged policymakers and all stakeholders to ‘base talks on factual data’.
“We remain open to engagement and collaboration in finding long-term solutions that will strengthen Kenya’s wheat sector and improve local production,” they said.
Kenyan Millers Address Local Wheat Farmers’ Dispute, Issue Fresh Demands
