This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Kenya is facing a severe maize shortage, with retail prices reaching Ksh125 (about Sh2,500) for a two-kilogramme packet of maize flour. In response, the government has announced plans to import 12.5 million bags of maize, with 10 million earmarked for household consumption and 2.5 million for animal feeds.
According to the Treasury, the imports are expected to start at the end of July and last until October, in time for the next harvest. The decision is aimed at bridging a shortfall that has seen retail prices jump.
Tanzania has offered to sell its surplus maize to Kenya, with Agriculture Minister Japhet Hasunga stating that the country has surplus maize and is ready to sell 1.2 million tonnes to Kenya. However, a price offer from Kenya is still pending.
"We want our farmers to enjoy the fruits of their labour. What remains is for Kenya to state its price offer," Mr Hasunga said.
Kenya joins seven other countries that may purchase food from Tanzania in the coming months, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oman, Egypt, Rwanda, Zambia, the Comoros, and Burundi.
