Kenya is set to allow maize imports from outside the East African Community to mitigate the current spike in maize flour prices.
Currently, maize flour has hit a historic high of Sh150 for a two-kilo packet while the 90kg bag of maize now retailing at Sh 4,500
Agriculture Cabinet secretary Peter Munya said the imports, which are expected to give consumers a reprieve, will also force farmers hoarding their produce to release it to the market.
“We are going to run out of maize in the next few months and to control the rising cost of maize flour, we need to import the produce,” Agriculture Cabinet secretary Peter Munya.
He further added the decision on when the imports would start and volumes to be shipped in would be made in the next couple of days with the consignment expected to arrive in 45 days from the date that the orders would be made.
“Imports will be restricted to what is needed by those who would be licensed to avoid shipping in excessive stocks by unscrupulous traders.” Peter Munya as quoted by Business daily.
This will be the first maize imports from outside of the EAC bloc since 2017.
Last month, the ministry that farmers were holding onto 85 per cent of the total stock of maize in the county, as they anticipated better prices in the future.
The food balance sheet report for March showed that growers were holding 8.5 million bags of maize stocks out of 10.1 million bags of 90Kgs, which has left millers facing a shortage of maize.
The report indicated that millers and traders have a paltry 1.5 million bags with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) holding zero grains.
Read also; NCPB Releases Maize Stock to Tame Rising Flour Prices.
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