Maize flour shortage looms, Cereal Millers Association warn
The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) has warned of an impending shortage of maize flour in retail stores due to the failure by the government to settle an outstanding Sh2.5 billion from the maize subsidy programme.
The association says consumers should brace themselves for a rise in the cost of maize flour and a shortage of the product since they would soon be unable to purchase maize from farmers for milling.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, the association said failure by the government to settle the outstanding balance means that they cannot continue to produce optimally.
The association, through their representative Caxstone Kigata, told MPs that being unable to buy maize from local producers means they will not be able to mill, hence will have no flour to supply to local stores.
“Millers have been unable to purchase sufficient maize from the local market due to cash flow constraints. This has resulted in an imbalance in the stocks held by millers, which will in the long run drive up the prices of maize meals,” Mr Kigata said.
Nyando MP Jared Okelo observed that the impending rise in the cost of maize flour is likely to affect Kenyans who are already struggling with the high cost of living.
“Are you, therefore, telling this committee that prices of maize flour will go high and that Kenyans should tighten their belts for tough times ahead?” asked Mr Okello
