This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
Kenya Expands National Food Reserve with Beef and Rice ¶
On November 18, 2019, the Kenyan government announced plans to increase its national emergency food stockpile to four basic items, including corned beef and rice.
The Agriculture ministry stated that it would build strategic stockpiles of corned beef and rice for the national food reserve, in addition to maize grain and milk powder.
According to Livestock Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, the government plans to buy animals from farmers for corned beef to be kept at the food reserves.
"For the first time in this country, we shall be buying lean animals from farmers for stocking at the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR)," said Mr. Kimtai.
The government aims to stock complete meals, rather than just grains and milk, to support its humanitarian activities.
The prices offered by the State for buying agricultural commodities for its SFR are usually considered minimum prices in the market.
The move is expected to benefit pastoralists who will be able to sell their animals during the drought season.
The department of livestock is seeking Sh2 billion from the Treasury to help mop up excess milk in the market and build up an emergency beef stock at the SFR.
Additionally, the SFR will stock rice for the first time, with the government setting aside Sh200 million for the exercise.
According to National Irrigation Board General Manager Gitonga Mugambi, production of rice this year at the Mwea scheme is expected to be higher compared to previous years.
