This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Kenya's maize importation plans have taken a new turn after Tanzania announced it will sell maize flour to the country instead of grains. The decision was made by Tanzanian President John Magufuli during a meeting with a delegation from Nairobi that was returning gold and cash stolen from the country.
According to President Magufuli, Tanzania will process the maize into flour and sell it to Kenya at competitive rates. This move is expected to cool tempers that had been stoked by delays in clearing maize consignments at the Holili-Taveta border crossing.
Kenya had earlier announced plans to import 12.5 million bags of maize to cover a shortfall, but the decision to import flour instead of grains has put a spin in the maize politics in the country.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Hamadi Boga said that Kenya needs both the grain and flour, but importing flour would lock out cartels in Kenya's maize trade who dictate the prices.
Subiri Obwogo, a Kenyan agricultural analyst, said that Tanzania has pulled a smart move by choosing to value-add their commodity.
“I can bet that Tanzania will not sell the flour cheaply. This is not charity but a business venture,” Obwogo said.
