Officers raid supermarkets in Nairobi over high unga prices

Detectives from the Nairobi County Government on Thursday raided supermarkets in Nairobi over the recent increase in unga prices.

According to them, the move was necessary to stabilise unga prices as directed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Licensing Officer Michael Akoko noted that some supermarkets have complied to the directive from the ministry to lower the price to Ksh.75 but others have ignored.

He led a team of security officers from Nairobi County to Tuskys Supermarket on Kenyatta Avenue, Naivas, Choppies and East Mart supermarkets.

East Mart Supermarket Manager, Moses Mwangi had a tough time explaining why the supermarket was selling Jogoo flour at Ksh.85 and Jimbi flour at Ksh.82 contrary to the ministry’s directive.

“We have not reduced the price of Jogoo flour because our suppliers have not reduced the prices as directed,” Mwangi said.

He further claimed that the prices had been updated in their systems on Thursday morning but they were yet to update the price labels on the packets.

“Jimbi suppliers have reduced prices and we are retailing at Ksh.75 and not 82 shillings as indicated on the shelves, our head office at Industrial area reduced the price today morning,” Mwangi said.

The Licensing Officer said they would submit their findings to the relevant authorities to take action on those who did not comply with the order.

Agriculture Minister Mwangi Kiunjuri on September 27, directed millers to reduce the price of a 2kg packet of maize flour to Ksh.75.

Kiunjuri said any trader selling maize flour at a higher price will be arrested for exploiting consumers.