Maize Farmers in Bungoma Cry Foul Over Cheaper Maize From Uganda

Maize farmers in Bungoma County and some parts of Busia are calling on the government to intervene following an influx of cheaper maize from Uganda.

According to the farmers, maize from Uganda is entering the country through Busia and Lwakhakha boarders without any restrictions and selling at half the price of the local produce.

The government had announced that it would be buying maize from farmers at 3,200 shillings per 90-kilogram bag, an announcement that saw maize prices in the region jump overnight from 2,000 shillings per 90-kilogram bag to between 2,800 and 3,000 shillings per 90-kilogram bag.

The farmers say the prices might fall back again since businessmen are buying maize at the boarder at 1,900 shillings per 90-kilogram bag and later selling at between 2,400 and 2,600 shillings per 90-kilogram bag.