The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is a statutory organization in Kenya established under the National Cereals and Produce Board Act. It plays a key role in the regulation, management, and distribution of maize, wheat, and other scheduled agricultural produce.
Composition of the National Cereals and Produce Board
The NCPB comprises members appointed by the government to oversee its operations and ensure efficiency in the management of cereals and produce. The board members include:
- Chairman – Appointed by the President.
- Two maize growers – Appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for NCPB affairs.
- One wheat grower – Appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
- Two additional representatives – Appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, one representing consumers’ interests and the other millers’ interests.
- Permanent Secretaries (or their representatives) from:
- The Ministry responsible for NCPB affairs.
- The Ministry of Agriculture.
- The Ministry of Finance.
- The Office of the President.
- One nominee from the Kenya Grain Growers Co-operative Union Limited – Appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
- The Managing Director of the NCPB.
Functions of the National Cereals and Produce Board
The NCPB is tasked with ensuring food security, regulating trade in cereals, and advising the government on cereal production and distribution. Its key functions include:
- Regulating and controlling the collection, movement, storage, sale, purchase, transportation, marketing, processing, distribution, importation, exportation, disposal, and supply of maize, wheat, and other scheduled agricultural produce.
- Buying, storing, selling, importing, and exporting cereals to meet consumer and producer needs in Kenya.
- Advising the Cabinet Secretary on the appropriate production levels of cereals and agricultural produce to match national demand.
- Recommending control measures for the importation and exportation of cereals and scheduled produce.
- Undertaking any additional functions related to its mandate as required by the government.
The Board operates under directives issued by the Cabinet Secretary to align with national policies and food security strategies.
Powers of the National Cereals and Produce Board
As a corporate entity with perpetual succession, NCPB has the authority to:
- Enter into contracts and agreements necessary for fulfilling its mandate.
- Open and manage bank accounts as required for its operations.
- Invest and manage funds not immediately needed for operations in legal investment securities.
- Issue and manage financial instruments, including bills of exchange, promissory notes, and securities.
- Create reserve or equalization funds to stabilize the market during price fluctuations.
- Borrow funds with ministerial approval to finance its activities, including working capital, property acquisition, and infrastructure development.
For more details on the National Cereals and Produce Board, refer to the National Cereals and Produce Board Act or visit the official NCPB website.
