Posho mill business in Kenya: price, types, how it works, profitability

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy because it contributes to economic growth (approximately 33% of Kenya’s GDP). Is that not a reason enough to invest in the sector? However, if you do not own a farm, the venture might be tricky for you to realize. But still, you can opt-in at the far end of the supply chain through value addition. And how can you do this? A simple posho mill is enough to get you started. The machinery converts maize to flour. You cannot miss this machine in most rural markets, and urban dwellings as maize is Kenya’s staple food. So, if you are interested in investing in the maize milling business, what should you do to ascertain profitability?

What is a posho mill?

A posho mill, often referred to as a maize milling machine, mills maize (corn) into a safe and palatable form. The machine is powered by different sources, including electricity, diesel and water.

A posho mill machine usually comes with an electric motor or a diesel engine, depending on the client’s preferences.

Types of posho mills and their prices

You are probably searching for a store with the best posho mill prices in Kenya for your next or first purchase. However, before making this move, you need to know the suitable maize milling machine for your venture.

Posho mills are categorized into three distinct groups: economy, medium and large. Of course, the categorization is according to their output capacities. Also, these groups have subgroups based on the quality of output you are looking for.

For instance, if you are interested in producing grade 1 sifted maize flour, you will need a particular machine out of the three categories based on your desired output. Get the idea? So, how much does a poshomill cost and which one should you settle on?

1. Economy/small scale posho mill (GM02, GM05, GM10 and GM15)

Economy posho mill machine prices in Kenya are the lowest considering the equipment is the smallest. These small posho mills can grind a maximum of three to four (90kg) bags in an hour. The capacity is perfect for a domestic set-up or a business with low traffic.

These economy-size posho mills are ideal where people prefer the meal flour in its original non-sifted form. If you are looking to produce maize flour in a small scale set-up, this is the perfect maize milling machine. The average price for the economy size in Kenya is between Ksh.85,000 and Ksh.200,000, depending on the brand and store that sells the equipment.

2. Medium posho mill (GM20 and GM25)

A medium-sized one is the best for business, primarily start-ups. These sophisticated machines can produce six to eight bags per hour. Also, they are designed for continuous operation, so you do not have to worry about fast wear and tear.

Of course, the cost varies, but you can get your hand on one from Ksh.140,000 onwards. However, if you are looking to produce better quality flour, you’ll have to look into the grade 1 posho mill price in Kenya for this capacity.

The best thing is that you can even get the medium posho mill in a combined format. So, for instance, you can get a regular posho mill and a muthokoi huller/polisher in one set-up.

3. Large scale posho mill (GM30 and GM35)

A large scale machine is ideal if you want to start a posho mill business in Kenya or a large-scale flour milling plant. It can produce more than 15 bags per hour at maximum output. How much does a large scale poshomill cost? The price starts at around Ksh.400,000 and can be higher.

How does a posho mill work?

The working principle of a posho mill is easy. The machine has different parts that work together to produce the final product – flour. The milling/grinding system is the most important as it crushes the maize to flour. The section utilizes high-speed rotation.

After the maize is processed, it will come out from the exit section as flour, ready for packaging. The entire process happens after you feed your maize into the feeder.

Is a posho mill business profitable?

A posho mill is a profitable venture if you play your cards right. Remember, people that cannot afford costly packed maize meals prefer the posho mil because it is more affordable and nutritious.

Also, it would help if you considered setting up your machinery in areas where it can bring you business. For instance, you are likely to make more money in the suburbs, industrial sites, or upcountry.

Maize is Kenya’s staple. That is why a posho mill business in Kenya will always be a fruitful venture. If you buy the right equipment and set it up in the ideal location, you will earn impressive returns.