Kenya Secures Emergency Maize Deal with Zambia as Food Crisis Deepens
Nairobi, 14 February 2026
Kenya has negotiated access to one million bags of Zambian maize as 3.3 million citizens face acute food insecurity, expected to rise to 3.6 million by June 2026. The arrangement provides a crucial safety net against drought-induced crop failures, with an initial 250,000 bags available for immediate release to stabilise supply chains.
Strategic Partnership Leverages Regional Trade Framework
The maize supply agreement was finalised during discussions between Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo on the sidelines of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development in Italy [1]. The deal capitalises on both countries’ membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which eliminates the need for duty-free gazettement and streamlines the import process [1]. An initial consignment of 250,000 bags could be cleared first to stabilise supply whilst authorities monitor the evolving drought situation [1].
Domestic Production Remains Government Priority
Despite securing external supply options, the government continues prioritising domestic maize procurement, with Kagwe emphasising that importation remains a last resort [1]. The administration has allocated 1.7 billion shillings for purchasing maize from local farmers at 4,000 shillings per bag, targeting an immediate acquisition of 1.7 million bags with a long-term goal of 4 million bags for the National Strategic Food Reserves [1]. However, only 186,000 bags have been delivered thus far, reflecting challenges from both drought conditions and market hoarding practices [1].
Wheat Purchase Mandate Supports Local Farmers
In parallel with the maize arrangements, Kagwe has instructed millers to purchase all 400,000 bags of wheat from local farmers at 5,300 shillings per Grade 1 bag before obtaining import licences [GPT]. This directive reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting domestic agricultural production whilst maintaining food security preparedness through strategic imports when necessary [GPT].
Food Security Crisis Projected to Worsen
Current estimates indicate that 3.3 million Kenyans face acute food insecurity, with projections showing this figure could increase to 3.6 million by June 2026 [1]. The 9.091 percentage increase represents a 9.1% rise in food-insecure populations over the coming months, underscoring the urgency of securing reliable grain supplies through both domestic procurement and international partnerships. The Zambian maize deal provides essential contingency planning against potential crop failures that could exacerbate these concerning trends [1].