This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Kenya is set to import 12.5 million bags of maize to address a shortage that has driven up flour prices to Ksh125 ($1.22) for a two-kg packet. The imports are expected to start at the end of July and last until the end of October, in time for the next harvest.
According to Andrew Tuimur, the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, the importation will be done by private companies. Ten million bags will be white maize for household consumption, while 2.5 million will be yellow maize for processing of animal feeds.
"We anticipate to begin importation of maize at the end of this month. As we speak, the country has enough maize stock to last us a month," Dr Tuimur said in a Senate committee meeting.
However, the Treasury must first pass a gazette notice allowing duty-free importation of maize, which otherwise attracts a 50 percent tax under the East African Community customs union.
Dr Tuimur ruled out offering a subsidy to maize millers, unlike last year when the flour processors got cheap stocks from the National Cereals and Produce Board.
