By Amina Faki
On the 13th April 2017, the government of Kenya zero-rated maize flour in red and the two-kilogram packet of Unga was made available to Kenyans from the 17th of May at only 90 shillings per packet.
The hurting reality is that the government subsidized maize flour is flying off the shelves faster than stores can keep in stock.
However, the two kilograms subsidized packet that was meant to relieve Kenyans of the high cost of Unga was short-lived.
Residents across the country continue to struggle to access the subsidized Unga, buying the commodity now seems to be a tug of war between the retailers and its customers.
With the high demand for the 90 shillings packet, retailers have now opted to put conditions on its purchase. Most Kenyans are forced to pay highly for the subsidized Unga, some fight to be able to buy it while being put on a tight spot to buy other commodities to be able to buy a single two-kilogram packet of maize flour.
The most pressing situation that has left locals wishing that the government couldn’t have introduced the subsidized Unga, for they used to buy the commodity previously at a high price but it was available
The commodity now retails at a range of 100 shillings and 120 shillings at various local shops despite the recent law that states that anyone found selling the subsidized Unga at a price higher than the recommended 90 shillings mark is liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or a five-year jail term or both.
The situation has led to many opting to go without Ugali a favorite meal among a majority of Kenyans. Kenyans will have to look for alternatives as the supply of Unga is way below its demands. Rice, chapati, and other foodstuffs are now becoming a norm for Kenyan residents.