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Food Crisis Looms as Kenya Faces Wheat, Maize Shortage

BY Lynnet Okumu · May 26, 2022 10:05 am

KEY POINTS

In a joint statement with various stakeholders, United Grain Millers Association (UGMA) stated that the country is likely to experience higher prices due to a shortage that is currently being experienced in the country.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

To cushion the country against the effects of the shortage, the millers suggested that the government should create a fair and level playing field by imposing fair import duties on wheat and maize from outside countries.

Kenyan millers have warned of a possible increase in the prices of wheat and maize if the current situation is overlooked.

In a joint statement with various stakeholders, United Grain Millers Association (UGMA) stated that the country is likely to experience higher prices due to a shortage that is currently being experienced in the country.

“We would like to register concerns on the shortage of maize and wheat in the country, which if left unchecked, shall lead to a devastating food crisis,” the millers said.

The millers have attributed the shortage of the commodities to the Ukraine Russia war which has affected importation, as well as the effects of covid 19 pandemic.

Moreover, persistent drought in the country and reduced imports from East Africa Community cross border trade have further added to the situation.

“In addition to this, the high and volatile international prices have resulted in unprecedented retail prices. A 2kg packet of maize flour is currently retailing at approximately 155-165 shillings whereas that of wheat is 185-195 shillings,” they said.

To meet the demand for these commodities across the country, the millers proposed that Kenya should consider importing the commodities from other countries at higher prices.

To cushion the country against the effects of the shortage, the millers suggested that the government should create a fair and level playing field by imposing fair import duties on wheat and maize from outside countries.

Also, they want the government to allow duty-free importation of duty-free maize from the European Union, and to encourage Kenyan farmers to release their maize stocks.

Maize prices have already reached a record high of between 4200 and 4500 shillings per 90Kg bags across the country, while maize flour is also on a rising spree on the shelves. A 2-kilogram packet of Soko Maize Flour, for instance, is now retailing at 154 shillings.

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