The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is composed of a diverse group of members, each bringing a unique perspective to the organization’s mission. The composition ensures that various stakeholders in the cereals and produce sector are well-represented, from farmers to consumers, and policymakers to industry experts.
At the helm of the NCPB is a Chairman, appointed directly by the President, signifying the importance of the board’s role in national agriculture and food security. The board also includes two maize growers and one wheat grower, all appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, ensuring that the voices of key agricultural producers are heard.
To balance the interests of different stakeholders, the Cabinet Secretary appoints two additional members: one to advocate for consumers’ interests and another to represent millers. This inclusion ensures a fair consideration of the supply chain and market dynamics.
The NCPB’s governance structure is further strengthened by the involvement of the Permanent Secretaries from various critical governmental departments. These include the ministries responsible for the board’s activities, agriculture, finance, and the Office of the President. They, or their designated appointees, bring a governmental and policy-making perspective to the board’s activities.
Adding to the board’s diversity is a representative from the Kenya Grain Growers Co-operative Union Limited, nominated by the union and appointed by the Cabinet Secretary. This inclusion ensures that cooperative and smallholder farmer interests are considered in the board’s deliberations.
The board’s composition is completed by the Managing Director of the NCPB, who oversees the day-to-day operations and execution of the board’s policies and initiatives. This structure ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to the management and strategic direction of the National Cereals and Produce Board, aligning it with the broader goals of agricultural development and food security in the nation.
The composition of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) includes a range of individuals, appointed to ensure a broad representation of interests within the agriculture sector. The board’s membership is as follows:
- The Chairperson, appointed by the President, leading the board’s strategic direction.
- Two maize producers, selected by the Cabinet Secretary, to bring insights from the maize growing sector.
- A wheat producer, also chosen by the Cabinet Secretary, to represent wheat cultivation interests.
- Two individuals appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, with one advocating for consumer needs and the other representing the milling industry.
- The current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry overseeing the Board, or their designate, ensuring governmental oversight.
- The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, or their designate, to provide expertise in agricultural policies and practices.
- The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, or their designate, offering financial and economic guidance.
- The Permanent Secretary from the Office of the President, or their designate, to link the board with the highest level of executive decision-making.
- A representative from the Kenya Grain Growers Co-operative Union Limited, nominated and appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, ensuring the interests of cooperative members are considered.
- The Managing Director of the NCPB, responsible for the operational leadership and management of the board’s activities.
The National Cereals and Produce Board is constituted as a legal entity with ongoing existence and an official seal, endowed with several powers to fulfill its mandate effectively:
- Engaging in contractual agreements deemed essential or advantageous for achieving the objectives outlined in the National Cereals and Produce Board Act.
- Opening and managing bank accounts under the board’s name, as deemed necessary or beneficial.
- Investing surplus funds in legally permissible securities or other Treasury-approved investments, ensuring prudent financial management.
- Creating, endorsing, and managing financial instruments such as bills of exchange, promissory notes, and other negotiable securities, facilitating financial transactions.
- Establishing reserve or stabilisation funds for maize, wheat, or other designated agricultural commodities to mitigate market price volatility, using profits accrued in profitable years.
- Securing or borrowing funds with the Minister’s consent for necessary capital, property acquisitions, or other expenses aligned with the Board’s statutory responsibilities.
