The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) has cautioned that ongoing delays in issuing wheat import approvals could lead to higher prices for wheat flour, bread, chapatis, and other related products in Kenya.

Paloma Fernandes, CMA's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that these delays are causing wheat shipments to incur additional demurrage, storage, and financing charges. Such costs are likely to be transferred to consumers, further straining affordability.

Wheat imports in Kenya require a government-issued C60 permit, which allows approved millers to bring in specified quantities under the Duty Remission Scheme. While millers have met local wheat purchase obligations—committing to buy local wheat at KSh 5,100 per 90kg bag—they are still awaiting clearance for import permits.

Kenya's Wheat Supply Challenges

  • Kenya's annual wheat demand ranges between 2.2 and 2.4 million tonnes, with local production historically covering only about 8% of this need.
  • In 2023, local output was approximately 135,000 tonnes against consumption of 2.2 million tonnes.
  • In 2025, imports totaled around 2.24 million tonnes, valued at KSh 41.73 billion, down from KSh 85.73 billion in 2024 due to falling global prices.

Fernandes emphasized that Kenya's heavy reliance on imports makes uninterrupted and timely clearance critical. She noted that the milling industry supports local farmers through purchases and contributions totaling nearly KSh 2 billion annually via the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) levy.

Global Market Pressures

The global wheat supply is under renewed strain due to intensified conflicts affecting the Black Sea grain export corridors, particularly between Russia and Ukraine. Recent attacks on ports and infrastructure have pushed European wheat prices up by 7% in a single session and Chicago futures by 5%.

Russia remains a key supplier to Kenya, expected to provide about 1.4 million tonnes of wheat in the 2025/26 marketing year, marking a 10% increase from the previous season.

Given these factors, CMA urges the government to expedite the release of outstanding C60 permits and prioritize wheat consignments already at Kenyan ports to prevent supply disruptions and maintain price stability.

"Kenya cannot afford additional bottlenecks at a time when global wheat supply chains are fragile," Fernandes stated. "Ensuring a steady supply and protecting consumers must be the priority."

Call to Action

  • CMA requests that the AFA and related agencies promptly clear pending import approvals.
  • The association stresses that supporting local wheat production and ensuring sufficient imports are complementary goals.
  • Administrative delays should not hinder import planning or disrupt the food supply chain.

Maintaining affordable access to wheat-based foods remains vital for Kenyan families, especially amid the country's structural wheat deficit and the broader economic importance of agriculture.