Govt to release one million bags of maize to curb shortage

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that there was looming maize shortage in the country.

Ruto says there are enough bags of maize in the country’s strategic reserves to sustain the country until the next harvesting season.

The Deputy President has now warned millers against employing blackmail tactics to justify importation of maize saying the government will protect local farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous individuals who imports maize into the country.

Speaking while addressing wananchi during the launch of Gatitu Tea Factory in Gichugu Constituency in Kirinyaga County, Ruto said the government will release one million bags of maize from strategic reserve to be sold to the millers.

Ruto’s remarks follow an announcement two days ago by the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) that the low level of maize supply could see maize flour prices increase further.

According to the association’s chairman Nick Hutchinson, declining maize supply and expensive imports from neighboring countries had made operating costs go up.

From an average of Sh90 in February, the price of a 2 kilogram packet of flour has shot up to an average of Sh110.