NAIROBI, Kenya August 2 – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has commenced a crackdown aimed at flushing out maize flour millers and retailers who are suspected of hoarding the government subsidized unga.
Speaking on Monday in Kirinyaga, Munya sternly warned that those found guilty will face the law.
“Investigations are currently ongoing to see those who have hidden maize flour despite being paid the subsidy to reduce the cost of the commodity,” said Munya.
The State last week struck a deal with millers to cut the price of maize flour to Sh100 under a Treasury-backed subsidy.
The Sh8 billion stimulus package released by the government on July 22 was meant to reduce unga prices amid the increased cost of living.
By the end of last week, most retailers had complained of a shortage in supply of the Sh100 flour.
The retailers are currently operating without the subsidy flour on the back of supply hitches, which had earlier been blamed on panic buying.
Most retail outlets are selling brands such as Amaize and Hostess, with a 2kg pack retailing between Sh230-250.
