ZAMBIA STEPS IN AS KENYA BRACES FOR DROUGHT SHOCK
In a decisive move to shield the nation from deepening food insecurity, Agriculture CS Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has secured a lifeline from Zambia: up to 1 MILLION 90kg bags of maize ready for release should drought tighten its grip and local reserves falter.
The intervention comes at a critical hour. 3.3 MILLION Kenyans are already facing acute food shortages — a number projected to climb to 3.6 MILLION by June 2026 if conditions worsen.
Speaking during high-level agricultural talks in Italy, the CS revealed that Zambia has confirmed its capacity to release over one million bags from its strategic grain reserves if Kenya calls for support. The assurance followed bilateral consultations with Zambia’s Agriculture leadership, signaling a regional response to a looming humanitarian strain.
Should domestic supplies fail to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve, Kenya may move to allow duty-free imports. However, maize sourced from Zambia would bypass gazettement hurdles under COMESA trade provisions — enabling faster intervention when timing is critical.
An initial consignment of 250,000 bags could be cleared immediately to stabilize market supply, as authorities intensify surveillance of national food security and safeguard local producers.
Senior government officials Jonathan Mueke and Eng. Julius Korir were also present during the strategic engagement — a meeting underscoring urgency, preparedness, and regional solidarity in the face of drought.
Careful Zambia, we’re not sure yet with our next harvest, but good to help, sounds like there’s market out there, forex. Good dotgovZambia bought almost all the maize from the farmers last season
The majority of Kenyans are good people. If you meet a Kenyan or Ghanaian outside Zambia, then know that you are in good company. Ugali (Nshima) is their primary staple food, and it is consumed across all income levels. Please let us help them when we can.