A survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has projected an increase in maize prices, including maize floor.
In the survey published on Tuesday, June 17, the CBK report attributed the projected increase to factors of seasonality.
Also projected to increase during the month are sugar and cooking oil prices.
"Balance of opinion (BOO) on expected price changes shows prices of key cereal products and select vegetables are expected to increase in June 2025 reflecting seasonal factors. Respondents expect prices of maize products and related items to be slightly higher in June 2025 relative to May 2025," read the report in part.
"In addition, respondents expected the prices of sugar, cooking fat, and cooking oil (salad) to also pick up, reflecting developments in the global market where prices of these items have been rising in the recent past."
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Already, maize prices had recorded an increase in May, even as the Ministry of Agriculture released 200,000 bags to millers to address the rise.
“NCPB started receiving payments for the maize on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, with sales and collections expected to increase starting Monday, 26th May 2025. The subsidy is expected to stabilize maize and maize flour prices, cushioning Kenyans from any price spikes,” Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe announced then.
"To deter stock hoarding, millers allocated the NSR maize are required to make an initial payment for 25% of their total allocation and provide proof of milling and distribution of flour before the full allocation is allowed. They must also submit a maize utilization report before the payment for 75% is accepted."
Price Drops in June
Conversely, some food items are expected to register a price drop in the month.
This includes fast-growing vegetables such as traditional vegetables and kale that were planted and harvested during the recent rainy season.
"Following the favourable March-May 2025 long rain season in most regions, prices of fast-growing vegetable items such as kales/sukuma wiki, traditional vegetables, cabbages, and spinach are, however, expected to decline in June 2025."
"Similarly, the proportion of respondents that expect tomato prices to increase declined in May compared to the April 2025 survey," read the report in part.
