FAQ About Posho Mill Machine Price and Types
- BeyondForest
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Image of a Natsaha Faras Engine
1.)What Is a Posho mill
2.)Types of Posho mills in Kenya (2025 Update)
3.)Posho mill Prices in Kenya (2025 Full Price List)
4.)Electric vs Diesel Posho mill
6.)3-Phase Posho mill Prices & Power Requirements
7.)Posho mill Lifespan
9.)Posho mill Machine Maintenance Tips
10.)Solar Posho mill
11.)How Much Does It Cost to Start a Posho mill Business
A posho mill is a maize-milling machine used to grind dried maize into flour, commonly known as unga in Kenya. It is one of the most essential household and business machines across rural and urban areas, helping families access affordable, freshly milled flour.
Poshomills come in different types—Grade 1, Grade 2, and combined models—each producing different flour textures. They can run on electricity, diesel engines, or both for flexibility. Because maize is Kenya’s staple food, poshomills play a major role in food security, local entrepreneurship, and daily milling services within villages, towns, and informal settlements.
Image of a 10 HP Separate grade 1 and 2 posho mills @ 140000
The most common are Grade 1 posho mills, which produce fine sifted flour, and Grade 2 mills, which create coarser, traditional unga. Combined posho mills offer both options in one unit. Machines are powered by electric motors, diesel engines, or dual-power systems that include both. Newer innovations such as solar-powered posho mills and 3-phase commercial mills are also gaining popularity in 2025.
Type of Poshomill | Description |
Grade 1 Poshomill | Produces fine, sifted flour |
Grade 2 Poshomill | Produces coarse, unsifted flour |
Combined Poshomill | Grade 1 + Grade 2 in one unit |
Electric Poshomill | Uses single-phase or 3-phase electricity |
Diesel Poshomill | Runs on diesel engine |
3-Phase Poshomill | High-capacity industrial milling |
Single-Phase Poshomill | Small, low-power electric mill for households |
Image of a 3 Phase Motor
Posho mill Prices in Kenya (2025 Full Price List)
5 Horse Power Grade 2 electric Posho Mill | 64000Ksh |
7.5 Horse Power Grade 2 electric Posho Mill | 73000Ksh |
10 Horse Power Grade 2 electric Posho Mill | 78000Ksh |
Grade 1 and Grade 2 electric Posho Mill | 128000Ksh |
7.5 HP Grade 2 Combined electric and diesel posho Mill | 100000Ksh |
7.5 HP grade 1 and 2 driven by electric and diesel | 165,000Ksh |
10 HP grade 1 and 2 driven by electric and diesel | 175,000Ksh |
7.5 HP Separate grade 1 and 2 Posh mill | 135000Ksh |
10 HP separate grade 1 and 2 Posh mill | 145000Ksh |
7.5 HP Grade 2 Jiadi diesel Posho Mill | 70000Ksh |
10 HP Grade 2 Jiadi diesel Posho Mill | 80000Ksh |
7.5 HP Grade 2 India diesel Posho Mill | 140000Ksh |
7.5 HP Roller mill and crusher | 320,000Ksh |
10 HP Roller mill and crusher | 345000 |
Electric vs Diesel Posho mill
Electric posho mills are quieter, cheaper to operate, and ideal for urban and peri-urban areas with reliable power while diesel posho mills, on the other hand, are preferred in rural or off-grid locations where electricity is unreliable or unavailable.
Feature | Electric Poshomill | Diesel Poshomill |
Power Source | Electricity (Single-phase or 3-phase) | Diesel engine |
Operating Cost | Low (cheap electricity) | Higher (fuel + engine maintenance) |
Noise Level | Quiet | Loud |
Maintenance | Low – fewer moving parts | Higher – oil changes, filters, engine repairs |
Output Strength | Moderate to high | High – powerful for heavy loads |
Downtime Risk | Affected by blackouts | Not affected by electricity availability |
Mobility | Less portable | Can operate anywhere |
A Grade 1 posho mill uses a sifting mechanism that separates bran from fine flour, producing smooth, refined unga similar to packaged shop flour. A Grade 2 posho mill produces coarse, non-sifted flour, which includes bran and larger maize particles. This type is preferred for traditional meals, muthokoi, and animal feed.
Feature | Grade 1 Posho Mill | Grade 2 Posho Mill |
Flour Texture | Fine, sifted, smooth | Coarse, unsifted, traditional |
Uses | Home flour, business-grade unga | Muthokoi, traditional meals, animal feed |
Technology | Includes sieve system | Direct milling without sieving |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
3-phase posho mills are heavy-duty milling machines built for high output — ideal for commercial flour shops, apartment blocks, or bulk maize milling. Because they use industrial 3-phase power, they can run powerful motors (often 10 HP or more) to grind large volumes of maize quickly with minimal strain.
3-Phase Posho mill – Price & Power Comparison
Specification | Typical Value / Range |
Power Supply | 415 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz |
Motor Rating | 7.5–15 HP (commonly 10 HP) |
Current Draw (approx.) | 15–25 A (depending on motor size) |
Output Capacity | 300–500 kg maize/hour |
A well-maintained posho mill can last 10 to 20 years, depending on usage frequency, motor quality, and care. Regular lubrication, timely replacement of bearings and sieves, proper belt tension, and keeping the machine clean significantly extend its life. Diesel models require additional servicing such as oil changes and filter replacements. With good maintenance, both electric and diesel posho mills can operate reliably for many years.
Second-hand posho mills are a great option for farmers and small entrepreneurs looking to start milling at a lower cost. In Kenya, used posho mills especially 3-phase electric models sell between 50,000Ksh and 120,000Ksh depending on condition, motor strength, and location.
The example above shows a well-maintained 3-phase electric posho mill going for 59,000Ksh (negotiable) in Maseno, complete with a strong industrial motor and hopper system. Buying second-hand allows new millers to begin operations quickly and affordably, provided the machine is tested, serviced, and confirmed to have a working motor, bearings, and sieves.
Posho mill Machine Maintenance Tips
Image of a Separate grade 1 and 2 posho mills costing 135000
Lubricate moving parts regularly to reduce friction and prevent wear on bearings and shafts.
Tighten belts and replace worn ones to maintain smooth milling and prevent slippage.
Clean the machine daily, especially the hopper and sieves, to avoid blockages and contamination.
Check the motor or engine for unusual noise, overheating, or vibration.
For diesel mills: change oil and filters as recommended to extend engine life.
Remove stones from maize before milling to protect the plates and reduce damage.
Inspect sieves and plates and replace them when they become thin or cracked.
Solar Posho mill
The main challenge is that solar posho mills cannot run heavy 10HP or 3-phase motors—they are mostly suitable for light household milling, not commercial milling businesses.
A solar posho mill is a milling machine powered by solar panels, usually connected to large battery packs that store energy for continuous grinding even when the sun is not shining. The idea is technically viable, especially for remote villages with no electricity, but it works best for small-scale, low-output milling because solar systems produce limited power compared to diesel or electric motors.
While solar energy itself is free, the initial setup cost is high because you need multiple panels, a strong inverter, and deep-cycle batteries to support a poshomill motor. In the long run, however, it becomes cheaper to operate than diesel, since you don’t buy fuel or pay electricity bills.
Image of a Roller mill plus crusher costing 365000Ksh
Starting a posho mill business in Kenya typically costs between 120,000Ksh and 350,000Ksh, depending on the type of machine you choose—single-phase, diesel, or a combined Grade 1 & 2 model. Your main fixed costs include buying the poshomill, securing a business license (5,000Ksh–10,000Ksh), and paying a deposit plus rent for the milling room. Monthly variable costs include electricity or diesel, maintenance, and occasional spare parts. Once these basics are set, operations can begin immediately, and profitability is high because maize milling is a continuous daily need across Kenya.
What is a posho mill?
A posho mill is a maize-milling machine used to grind dry maize into flour (unga). It is one of the most common machines in Kenyan households and milling businesses, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
How much does a posho mill cost in Kenya?
Posho mill prices in Kenya range from 45,000Ksh to 250,000Ksh, depending on the brand, motor size, capacity, electric/diesel type, and whether the mill is Grade 1, Grade 2, or combined.
What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 posho mill?
Grade 1 posho mills produce fine, sifted flour using a sieving system. Grade 2 posho mills produce coarse, non-sifted unga, ideal for traditional meals or animal feed.
What types of posho mills are available in Kenya?
Kenya has three main types Grade 1 posho mill, Grade 2 posho mill and Combined posho mill (Grade 1 + Grade 2) each can be electric, diesel, or both.
Image of a 3 Phase Grade 1 and 2 posho mill
How much is an electric posho mill in Kenya?
Electric posho mills typically cost 65,000Ksh – 180,000Ksh, depending on horsepower (HP), 3-phase vs single-phase power, and milling capacity.
How much is a diesel posho Mill in Kenya?
Diesel posho mills range from 65,000Ksh – 250,000Ksh. They are preferred in rural areas without stable electricity.
What is a 3-phase posho mill and how much does it cost?
A 3-phase posho mill uses industrial 3-phase electricity and is more powerful, suitable for commercial production. Prices start from 120,000Ksh and can go up to 250,000Ksh.
What is the lifespan of a posho mill?
A well-maintained posho mill can last 10–20 years, depending on usage frequency, quality of motor, and maintenance.
Where can I buy a posho mill in Kenya?
You can buy posho mills from machinery suppliers in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisii, Thika, and Mombasa, as well as from brands like Natasha, Grade 1 Jumia sellers, and local engineering workshops.
Yes, second-hand posho mills are available in markets such as Kariobangi Light Industries, Nakuru machinery lanes, and online platforms like Jiji at reduced prices.
Which posho mill is best for business?
A combined electric + diesel Grade 1 mill is ideal for business because it offers fine sifted flour and operates even during power outages.
Small home-use mills do not require a license. Commercial posho mill shops may need county council permits, basic hygiene compliance, and a business registration.
What power does a posho mill require?
Most posho mills use 7.5HP to 10HP motors, either electric or diesel. Commercial units may require 3-phase power.
How much maize does a posho mill process per hour?
Depending on size, a posho mill processes 150kg to 500kg of maize per hour.
Is a posho mill profitable in Kenya?
Yes. Due to high demand for unga, posho mill businesses earn consistent daily income, especially in highly populated towns and rural markets.
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