Dry maize prices have hit a record high in West Pokot County with vendors claiming there is great shortage of the commodity in the market.
A spot check at various retail markets within Kapenguria Municipality revealed that a 90kg bag of dry maize was selling between Sh5, 000 to Sh5500.
This has forced consumers of the commodity to part with Sh150 per 2kg tin that is usually milled into flour at local posho mills, ugali being the most preferred meal by residents.
Ms. Mercy Cherotich a maize dealer told KNA that she has to sell the product at Sh150 for her to make a small profit.
“Some dry maize stockists have been forced to close because there is no supply. I have to spend a lot to get a sack of maize for my small stock here,” said Cherono at her roadside selling site at Bendera Market within Kapenguria Township.
She explained that this is the only year in the past three that she has sold the dry maize at such a high price.
The maize traders have expressed concern that the commodity’s price is likely to soar since the next harvest is several months away.
“By this time last year a bag of maize was trading at Sh3, 000 or less with a 2kg tin retailing at Sh80 or below,” said the maize trader.
Regular consumers of the commodity are appealing to the government to consider supplying subsidized maize to cushion them against the increased dry maize prices otherwise they might be forced to shift to eating other foods unpopular to them.
By Richard Muhambe
