Kenyan millers raise alarm over aflatoxin risks in East African maize

KENYA – Kenyan millers are raising concerns over high aflatoxin levels in maize sourced from the East African Community (EAC), posing a significant risk to human and animal feed safety. 

This issue exacerbates supply challenges already strained by farmers hoarding grain in anticipation of higher prices.

The importation of maize from Uganda, reportedly containing aflatoxin levels above the permissible 10 parts per billion (ppb) threshold, is a particular point of worry.

David Maina, a miller based in Eldoret, highlighted the impact of maize shortages on milling operations. 

“There is an unsteady supply of maize in the market as most farmers in the North Rift region are hoarding the produce due to an anticipated shortage, which is negatively impacting our operations,” he told Nation Africa.

While maize from Uganda and Tanzania has made its way into the market, Maina noted that fears of contamination with unacceptable aflatoxin levels have limited its impact on stabilising supply.

“Although there is some maize in the market, we cannot mill it since it has high aflatoxin levels. We carry out tests to ensure that the imported maize meets the standards set by the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS),” he explained.

To comply with KEBS guidelines and guarantee the quality of maize flour, millers have invested over KES1 million (US$7,742.9) in aflatoxin testing equipment.

Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by fungi that grow on crops such as maize and groundnuts, poses serious health risks if consumed in high quantities.

In addition to quality concerns, millers are grappling with a dwindling maize supply due to farmers holding onto their stock in anticipation of better prices.

James Kosgei, a Ziwa, Uasin Gishu County farmer, attributed the looming food shortage to low yields caused by erratic weather patterns and substandard fertilizers.

“Food shotage is unavoidable due to low yields last season caused by erratic climatic conditions and the supply of substandard fertilizer during the planting season,” Kosgei remarked.

Currently, a 90-kilogram bag of maize is priced at KES3, 400 (US$26.35), up from KES2, 800 (US$21.7), as farmers reserve their stock awaiting higher prices. Imported maize from the regional trade bloc averages KES 3,200 (US$24.8) per bag, although contamination concerns persist.

Government intervention effort’s dilemma

Meanwhile, the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) announced earlier plans to purchase one million bags of maize for the National Strategic Food Reserve.

However, stiff competition from millers and traders, combined with stringent quality requirements, and has hindered progress. Titus Maiyo, NCPB’s Corporate Affairs Manager, reported that the board has purchased fewer than 30,000 bags out of the targeted one million.

The board offers KES 3,500 (US$ 27.12) per 90-kilogram bag, provided the maize meets quality standards, including a 13.5% moisture content and minimal broken grains and discoloration.

Meanwhile, millers and traders are buying maize at prices ranging between KES 3,400 (US$26.35) and KES 3,600 (US$ 27.9), making it challenging for the NCPB to meet its target.

The maize crisis has also been compounded by disease outbreaks, including fall armyworm infestations, which have increased production costs and reduced yields.

Kipkorir Menjo, Director of the Kenya Farmers Association, noted that much of the harvested maize had been diverted for animal feed production due to its poor quality.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.