Attachments
INTRODUCTION
The Kenya Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) was launched by the Kenya Cash Working Group (KCWG) in March 2022, to provide empirical data for arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) counties. It is implemented quarterly through partners collaboration.
The JMMI aims to provide regular, reliable information on prices and market functionality using a standardised method. It tracks the price and availability of the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB)¹ components and other food and non-food items (NFIs). Additionally, it involves evaluating the supply chains along with the vendors’ perceptions of the marketplace and their commercial operations.
Following the March 2024 drought classification by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), all ASAL counties were classified under the ‘Normal’ drought phase. In addition, the Kenya Meteorology Department (KMD) forecasts abovenormal rainfall for the March to May 2024 season, indicating an increased risk of flooding in floodprone areas and associated risks in specific counties.
The Agricultural Sector Survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in March 2024 indicated a decline in food commodity prices due to availability of affordable fertilizers and favourable weather conditions, which contributed to improved agricultural yields. Challenges remain in the ASAL counties, including cross-border markets with inadequate trade infrastructure, conflict-affected areas, and poorly integrated markets that may constrain access to various commodities.