Kenya may import up to one million 90-kilogram bags of maize from Zambia as the government moves to guard against a possible food shortage driven by worsening drought. The plan is part of early efforts to protect households from rising hunger and to keep the country’s grain supplies stable if local stocks fall short.
An initial shipment of 250,000 bags could be cleared right away to ease pressure on the market while authorities continue to assess national reserves. The government is keen to boost supply without overwhelming local farmers or disrupting prices.
The arrangement was discussed during bilateral talks between Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo, on the sidelines of the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council in Italy.
During the meeting, Zambia indicated it can release more than one million 90-kilogram bags from its grain reserves if Kenya formally requests support.
The talks come as food security concerns deepen. About 3.3 million Kenyans are currently facing acute food insecurity, and the number could rise to 3.6 million by June 2026 if swift action is not taken.
Kagwe said that should maize deliveries from local farmers fail to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve to required levels, the Government of Kenya is ready to gazette duty-free maize imports to prevent a crisis. He, however, noted that imports from Zambia would not require such gazettement because Zambia is a COMESA member state, allowing for easier regional trade arrangements.
He also pointed to Zambia’s closeness to Kenya as a key advantage, describing the country as a dependable and timely partner in filling any supply gaps while strengthening regional trade ties.
Mtolo assured Kenya of Zambia’s readiness to step in, adding that this would not be the first time Kenya has turned to Zambia for grain. He explained that once pricing is agreed upon by the Zambian government in consultation with the President, traders would be cleared to supply up to one million bags.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke and Principal Secretary for Water Julius Korir, highlighting a coordinated government approach aimed at securing the country’s food supply during a challenging period.
