This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, the Strategic Food Reserve Board (SFR) announced it would no longer import maize, citing a stable supply in the market.
The decision comes after a steady influx of maize from Tanzania and Uganda helped to normalize the situation.
Initially, the SFR had proposed importing 2.5 million bags of maize in July to cushion the country against an anticipated shortage between August and September.
However, SFR chairperson Noah Wekesa stated that the agency's assumption of a maize shortage was based on the fact that there would be insufficient grain in the country during those months.
But, following monitoring, the SFR revealed that there was sufficient maize, leading to the cancellation of import plans.
The importation of maize had been a contentious issue between the SFR and the Ministry of Agriculture, with the ministry initially seeking to import 11.1 million bags of maize from Mexico.
However, Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri later changed his mind and opted for regional countries such as Malawi and Zambia.
"We are going to scout the grain from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) countries," Mr Kiunjuri told Members of Parliament last month.
