This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Kenya is on the brink of a maize shortage, with the cost of ugali expected to rise significantly. The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya, has revealed that the country's strategic grain reserves are contaminated with aflatoxin, a harmful fungus that makes the maize unfit for human consumption.
According to Mr. Munya, the government has no maize stocks in its stores, and what is available is bound for disposal. This means that the next meal Kenyans will take will cost more, as the importation costs are set to be passed on to the consumer.
Just a month ago, the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) chairman, Dr. Noah Wekesa, warned that the country was facing a crippling food shortage due to the high asking prices by sellers. However, Mr. Munya's revelation has cast doubt on the true position of the country's maize reserve.
With the first batch of imported maize expected in July, Kenyans are already being forced to spend as much as Sh150 for a tin of maize, which until recently retailed at Sh90. The situation is further complicated by the fact that at least 17 counties are expected to be food stressed between February and May, according to the Famine Early Warning System Network.
Senator Naomi Shinyonga has questioned the government's decision to rush into allowing maize imports instead of preserving what farmers have produced. She noted that maize was rotting in government stores due to poor preservation when Kenyans were going without food.
