The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) continues to play a vital role in strengthening Kenya’s food systems, ensuring millions of households have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious staple foods. As the umbrella body representing the country’s grain milling industry, the association brings together more than 35 major millers who collectively process millions of tonnes of maize, wheat and other cereals every year. Through its advocacy, quality assurance programmes and partnerships with government and farmers, the Cereal Millers Association has become a key pillar in supporting national food security and industry stability.
Established in 2000 and officially registered in 2007, the Cereal Millers Association represents a significant share of Kenya’s milling capacity, accounting for over 80 percent of wheat milling and about 40 percent of maize milling in the country. Its members supply flour and other cereal products to tens of millions of consumers across Kenya, making the organisation one of the most influential voices in the country’s food value chain. The association works closely with government agencies and regulators to develop sound policies, improve trade frameworks and maintain a stable grain supply in the country.
One of the key achievements of the Cereal Millers Association has been its strong support for local farmers. The organisation has consistently encouraged members to purchase locally grown wheat each season, ensuring farmers have a ready market for their produce. In recent seasons, CMA members purchased the entire local wheat harvest—more than 1.4 million bags in the 2023–2024 season—demonstrating the sector’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
Beyond market access, the Cereal Millers Association has also been instrumental in improving public health through food fortification initiatives. Working with partners such as the Ministry of Health and development organisations, the association has helped champion the fortification of staple foods like maize flour, wheat flour and edible oils with essential vitamins and minerals. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies affecting many Kenyans, particularly women and children.
The association’s leadership in food safety is equally notable. CMA members have been at the forefront of tackling aflatoxin contamination in maize, implementing strict quality assurance systems and collaborating with regulators to protect consumers. Through testing programmes and industry self-regulation, the organisation continues to promote higher safety standards across the milling industry.
CMA’s influence also extends to policy and sector development. By providing a unified voice for millers, the association helps shape legislation, taxation policies and trade frameworks affecting the cereals sector. Its engagement with stakeholders—from farmers and traders to policymakers—ensures that decisions affecting grain supply chains are informed by data, research and industry expertise.
As Kenya’s population continues to grow and demand for staple foods increases, the role of the Cereal Millers Association is becoming even more critical. Through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to safe and affordable food, the organisation remains central to building a resilient grain sector and supporting Kenya’s long-term food security goals.
