This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
On July 17, 2019, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri appeared before the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee to address concerns over the planned importation of maize.
CS Kiunjuri clarified that the imports would come from COMESA countries, not Mexico, as previously alleged.
The move comes as a section of MPs from North Rift demand the CS's resignation following an alleged irregular withdrawal of Ksh 1.8 billion from the Strategic Food Reserve's account and paid to a controversial supplier.
According to Kiunjuri, the justification for the importation of maize is to caution consumers from high prices of unga, which currently stand at 120 shillings per bag.
He dismissed the Strategic Food Reserve's advice on the importation, stating that the role lies with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Committee members questioned Kiunjuri on measures to promote farmers while protecting consumers, amid allegations of irregularities in the maize importation process.
