Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett says the government will use Sh6 billion in this subsidy program that will see millers access 90kg of maize at Sh2,300/MOSES MUOKI
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 16 – A two-kilogram packet of maize flour will cost Sh90 from the current Sh160 by Tuesday following a subsidy agreement between the government and millers.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett says the government will use Sh6 billion in this subsidy program that will see millers access 90kg of maize at Sh2,300.
The government is expecting about five million bags importation of maize through this program by importers.
Bett says the move is a temporary intervention that will continue until stock normalises in about four to five months when harvest of the long rains gets in.
He says the country is also seeking more maize in Zambia and Ethiopia as the government tries mopping out any maize through negotiated prices.
“We have negotiated with importers, and will are only accepting bags worth Sh3600 per 90Kg bag, we will foot the upper cost for the millers,” he said.
Currently, the cost of 90Kg bag is at Sh4,600 in the country and Sh4,300 in the region.
He says the country is also seeking more maize in Zambia and Ethiopia as the government tries mopping out any maize through negotiated prices.
Moreover, the government has waived duty on the importation of sugar and milk products In a bid to reduce the price of the commodities.
“Late last year, Kenya faced severe drought that prolonged to 2017 destabilising supply,” he stressed.
