Cereals Board steps up rivalry with private millers over maize prices in North Rift

The National Cereals and Produce Board has bought 410,000 bags of maize valued at Sh1.2 billion in the North Rift region in an intensified price rivalry with private millers amid an anticipated shortage caused by declined yields this season.

While the board targets to buy up to two million bags at Sh3,000 per 90kg bag, some private millers and middlemen have raised their price from Sh2,600 to Sh3,100 to bolster their stock, to the relief of farmers, who have for the past two years suffered low prices.