Gov’t bans maize export as country stares at possible hunger

President Uhuru Kenyatta has banned the export of maize as a measure to ensure food security during this drought period.

The President has also warned maize traders against hoarding maize with an aim of pushing prices up during the drought season.

Speaking in Isiolo County on arrival for the voter mobilization tour on Friday, January 21, the President warned that maize traders who will be found hoarding maize will be prosecuted.

The President said that the Government has already frozen the export of maize until the drought situation changes.

“There will be no exporting maize during this drought. Any business person found hoarding maize will face stern action. You cannot take advantage of the misery of the people,” said Kenyatta.

Kenyatta also added that there was a need for longer term plans to ensure that Kenyans are cushioned from the adverse effects of droughts.

The President has already directed government agencies including the National Youth Service and other security agencies to be involved in food and water distribution.

Other measures undertaken by the government include livestock off take programs, provision of supplements and vaccines for livestock, upscale of school feeding programmes and scaling up of other relief transfers.