Kenya is facing a severe maize shortage, with over 12 million people in 23 counties at risk of starvation. The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has sold all its grains to millers due to increased demand.
According to NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote, the agency has depleted its maize stocks and is unable to meet the current demand. "We have sold everything we had. The current shortage has to be handled at high government policy level," he said.
Kimote dismissed claims of favouritism in the allocation of grains to millers, stating that the process was transparent and the board earned a profit from the sales.
The country produces 3.2 million metric tonnes of maize annually, but demand stands at 3.8 million metric tonnes. NCPB sought Sh10.3 billion in the last financial year for emergency food stocks, but faced stiff competition from millers and traders.
Millers have decried the acute shortage of maize and wheat, warning that the situation could result in a food crisis. They have petitioned the government to remove barriers on cross-border trade to facilitate the importation of six million bags of maize.
At least 10 millers have laid off their workers due to the shortage, and most of the struggling millers are in Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Narok, Kajiado, and Central Kenya.
Meanwhile, the government has released Sh517 million to cushion hunger-stricken families in northern Kenya. The cash disbursements will benefit poor and vulnerable households in Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana counties.
