Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukwana wants maize millers to move beyond traditional products and explore varieties that could appeal to international consumers.
He made the proposal during the Kenya Millers Fortification Index Awards on Saturday, October 31. Mukwana argued that product innovation could help Kenyan Ugali find buyers in foreign markets.
The PS said the country's rising population also required manufacturers to rethink food production. He challenged millers to prepare for the growing demand expected in the coming years.
Mukwana questioned how the industry would feed an estimated 70 million Kenyans by 2050. He suggested that developing different Ugali products could help meet changing consumer needs.
Cereals Millers Association of Kenya Chairman Beju Shah welcomed the challenge. He said manufacturers were willing to test new ideas and explore fresh business opportunities.
However, Shah raised concerns about the availability of maize. He urged the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to maintain enough stocks for millers to purchase during shortages.
Shah said the board should ensure manufacturers can access maize from its depots when local supplies become limited. He noted that NCPB currently had insufficient stocks.
The discussion comes as Kenya faces a shortage of maize following poor harvests. The government plans to import up to 25 million 90-kilogramme bags to address the deficit.
Tanzania and other regional markets are expected to help bridge the supply gap. The imports are intended to increase availability and ease pressure on local maize supplies.
