The government has increased the producer price of locally grown wheat to Sh5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for the 2026 season, up from Sh4,750 last year, in a move aimed at improving farmers’ earnings, encouraging local production and reducing dependence on imported grain.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the revised price in a statement issued Friday, saying it was reached after extensive consultations coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
The discussions brought together the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), wheat farmers and cereal millers to balance the interests of producers, processors and consumers.
Kagwe said the new producer price will apply at designated aggregation centres where the government has already begun the wheat mop-up exercise ahead of any imports, reaffirming its commitment to giving priority to locally produced grain.
“We expect one million 90-kilogram bags of wheat this season, down from 1.7 million bags harvested last year due to adverse weather conditions and the shift by many farmers to barley production after favourable barley prices in 2025,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
He, however, expressed optimism that wheat production would rebound as barley prices ease, making wheat farming more attractive to growers.
More than 2,000 wheat farmers from Narok, Nakuru, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu counties are expected to benefit from the revised producer price.
Kagwe said the agreement represents a balanced outcome that improves returns for farmers while helping millers maintain stable flour prices for consumers.
He noted that the consultative approach adopted across the wheat value chain demonstrates how collaboration between government and industry stakeholders can strengthen local production, support the milling sector and enhance national food security.
The Cabinet Secretary said the Government will continue implementing measures to revitalise the wheat subsector, including expanding fertiliser subsidy programmes and accelerating the development and distribution of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and private seed companies.
“We will also promote mechanisation, strengthen control of quelea birds, support commercial land leasing and encourage climate-smart agriculture to improve productivity,” he added.
Although wheat production is now projected to grow by about five per cent this season, lower than the earlier forecast of 10 per cent, Kagwe expressed confidence that the ongoing interventions will significantly increase local wheat production, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen Kenya’s food security in the years ahead.
By Wangari Ndirangu
