Ugali, a beloved staple in nearly every Kenyan home, is now becoming a luxury many cannot afford. For decades, this maize flour-based meal has represented more than sustenance: it’s a symbol of cultural identity, family, and tradition. However, recent sharp increases in maize flour prices are putting ugali at serious risk, sparking nationwide concern and exposing deeper vulnerabilities in Kenya’s food system.
Since the beginning of 2025, maize prices have skyrocketed, with a 90kg bag now retailing at approximately Ksh 4,800 up from Ksh 3,300 in just a few months. Analysts warn that prices may exceed Ksh 5,500 by mid-year if the current trend continues. This sudden spike has directly affected maize flour prices, pushing a 2kg packet to retail at between Ksh 130 and Ksh 195 depending on location and brand, placing immense pressure on household budgets.
This crisis has been fueled by a complex mix of factors. Drought conditions and unpredictable rainfall have severely impacted local maize harvests. At the same time, Kenyan maize is being exported to neighboring countries like Uganda and South Sudan, where buyers offer higher prices, draining local stocks. The situation is further complicated by increased demand from the animal feed industry, which relies heavily on maize as a primary ingredient.
The impact of this crisis extends beyond household kitchens. According to stakeholders in Kenya’s agriculture and food industries, the ripple effect has also led to rising prices for meat, poultry, and dairy, as feed costs skyrocket. Organizations such as the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya and the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers have raised alarms, warning of looming shortages and inflation in the broader food market.
In response to mounting pressure, the Kenyan government has taken steps to intervene. Authorities have announced a temporary waiver on import duties for yellow maize, allowing the importation of 5.5 million bags to ease pressure on local supply and support the animal feed sector. The government is also exploring the release of maize from the National Strategic Food Reserve to support millers and stabilize maize flour prices in the short term.
However, despite these efforts, challenges remain. The country’s continued dependence on imports leaves it vulnerable to international price fluctuations and logistical delays. With maize still being transported out of Kenya to fetch better prices abroad, domestic supply remains unpredictable. For many Kenyans, this has meant adjusting to life without ugali as a daily meal an unsettling shift that strikes at the heart of the nation’s cultural identity.
Ugali is more than just food. It is a fixture at meals across all walks of life, from rural villages to urban centers. Its affordability has always made it a unifying dish across Kenya’s diverse communities. But now, as prices surge, many families are being forced to substitute or skip ugali altogether, fundamentally altering eating habits and social routines.
The current maize crisis is a stark reminder of the importance of long-term food security strategies. Kenya must invest in sustainable local agriculture, support smallholder farmers, and create more resilient food supply chains. Additionally, encouraging dietary diversification and managing exports with regional partners will be critical in easing domestic shortages.
As the cost of ugali continues to rise, what’s at stake is not just a staple meal, but a core element of Kenya’s cultural and social fabric. Urgent and coordinated action is needed to ensure that ugali remains on every table—not just as food, but as a reminder of what connects us all.
