Agriculture | SkyPress

North Rift Farmers Count Heavy Losses as Drought Devastates 2026 Maize Harvest

Kenya’s traditional food basket is facing a difficult farming season, with prolonged dry spells, collapsing yields and tightening maize supplies raising fresh concerns over national food security and the cost of staple foods. A difficult season for Kenya’s food basket For generations, Kenya’s North Rift region has carried the responsibility of feeding millions of households across the country. The vast agricultural fields of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet and neighbouring counties have traditionally supplied substantial quantities of maize to the national market. However, the 2026 farming season has presented a dramatically different picture. Farmers who invested heavily in land preparation, certified seeds, fertiliser and labour are now counting substantial losses following unfavourable weather conditions that disrupted crop development during critical stages of the growing season. What initially appeared to be a promising agricultural season turned into a difficult experience for thousands of farmers after rainfall became increasingly unreliable, particularly during the June-to-September period. The consequences are now becoming evident…

Sylvester Chepkok | SkyPress Editorial Oct 31

Personal Finance

Commodities Explained: A Practical Guide to Gold, Oil, Silver and Global Commodity Markets

Commodities are among the most important markets in the global economy. From the gold held by central banks to the oil that powers transportation and the agricultural products that feed millions of people, commodities influence inflation, currencies, business costs, investment returns and everyday prices. For investors and traders, understanding commodities can provide another way to understand what is happening across the global economy. At SkyPress, we believe financial markets should not be viewed in isolation. Commodity prices often tell a story about economic growth, inflation, geopolitical risks, supply disruptions and investor sentiment. This guide introduces the commodities market, explains how it works and examines some of the most important commodities watched by investors worldwide. What Are Commodities? Commodities are basic raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold in financial markets. Unlike shares, which represent ownership in a company, commodities represent physical resources or products that are widely traded and used throughout the economy. Major commodity…

Sylvester Chepkok | SkyPress Editorial Aug 27

Commodities

Commodities Trading

The Power of Commodities Trading: How Smart Traders Profit from Global Markets Commodities trading has become one of the most powerful ways for traders to tap into global economic movements. From gold and crude oil to agricultural products like wheat and coffee, these markets offer unique opportunities that go beyond traditional forex and stock trading. For modern traders, commodities are not just assets — they are reflections of the global economy. Understanding how they move gives you a deeper edge in financial markets. What is Commodities Trading? Commodities trading involves buying and selling raw materials or primary goods in financial markets. These assets are typically grouped into three major categories: Precious Metals – such as gold and silver Energy – including crude oil and natural gas Agricultural Products – like wheat, corn, and coffee Each category behaves differently, giving traders multiple ways to diversify and capitalize on different market conditions. Why Commodities Matter in Trading Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, commodities…

Sylvester Chepkok | SkyPress Editorial Mar 28