EAGC in collaboration with Kilima Mbogo Millers, a Thika-based EAGC Member, hosted a high-level delegation team from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office(FCDO) at the Millers’ premises on a learning visit to learn and appreciate the nature of grain trade in the East Africa region.

Kilima Mbogo Millers is one of the SME beneficiaries of the current EAGC Food Trade project supported by AGRA, and therefore is well versed on matters cross border grain trade, more so on the trade of maize.
Key issues noted during the visit were the lack of affordable financing for millers, hindrances with border clearance for analysis reports, the unlevelled playing field brought on by unfair competition by some industry players, and non-conformity to maintain quality standards.

It was established that there is need for affordable financing for millers, promotion of industry self-regulation and the need for more support to ensure quality supply of maize within the region and locally.

EAGC will discuss on ways to actualize trade to continuously address the challenges facing SME maize millers in Kenya and improve the overall business environment for structured grain trade.