Govt Allows Importation Of Maize

The Cabinet on Tuesday, November 29 approved the importation of 10 million bags of maize into Kenya.

President William Ruto chaired the meeting at State House in Nairobi whereby the CSs agreed to allow the importation of maize into the country from February 2023.

"Cabinet noted that harvesting of maize was ongoing across the country, with this year’s crop estimated to yield about 30 million bags of maize. In honour of our nation’s sacred duty to our farmers, Cabinet resolved that the farmers produce will be accorded priority access to the market.

President William Ruto arrives for second cabinet meeting at State House accompanied by Mining CS Salim Mvurya and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 ./FACEBOOK. STATE HOUSE KENYA

"In recognition of the annual consumption trends of about 45 million bags of maize, and mindful of the solemn duty of the State to secure the affordability of the basic food items; the deficit arising from the lower than expected domestic yields will be bridged through the importation of 10 Million bags of maize. The importation by the private sector will commence in February 2023 and it shall be incentivized by way of a customs duty waive," a dispatch issued by Cabinet read in part.

Among the issues raised in the meeting was the cost of the nation’s staple food, maize, remaining unacceptably high currently retailing at between Ksh180- 210 for a 2 Kg packet of Maize Flour.

"As part of the long-term measures to address the cyclic drought situation and the cost of living, Cabinet assessed the food supply situation in the country.

"The meeting noted that the cost of the nation’s staple food, maize, remains unacceptably high," Cabinet noted.

The Cabinet however failed to state if the maize import was Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or not. The High Court had on Monday, November 28 stopped the importation and distribution of GMOs.

The order was issued pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Kenyan Peasants League.

The petitioners had opposed the importation, cultivation and consumption of GMO crops and food arguing that they posed a deadly health hazard to Kenyans, particularly the poor and those of low income.

The government was also barred from issuing any gazette notice related to the lifting of the ban on GMOs until the application is determined.

It came after Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria drew sharp criticism over his remarks on GMOs and a revelation by the CS that Cabinet had deliberately made a decision to allow imports.

Ruto & Cabinet To Forgo One-Month's Salary 

During the meeting, the Cabinet also resolved to forego their one-month salary in solidarity with Kenyans affected by drought.

"The nation’s apex policy making organ was also apprised on the progress made in addressing the effects on the ongoing drought in parts of the country. The meeting hailed the growing partnership between the State, Development Partners and the nation’s private sector that is taking place under the auspices of the National Steering Committee on Drought Response.

"In solidarity with all Kenyans affected by the ongoing drought, the meeting resolved that all Members will forgo one-month salary as their individual and collective contribution towards the ongoing State interventions that support all the Kenyans affected by the drought," the dispatch noted.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had unveiled a paybill that can be used by Kenyans making their contributions to those affected by the drought situation in the country.

"Those wishing to donate to the appeal fund can do so via M-PESA PayBill 880990 USE YOUR  NAME as the account number or National Drought Mitigation Appeal Fund, Kenya Commercial Bank, Riverside Branch, ACC. NO. 1305486137," he stated.

DP Rigathi Gachagua speaking at Light House Chapel International on November 28, 2022. /FACEBOOK.RIGATHI GACHAGUA