Kenya Bans Maize and Wheat Importation

By Samuel Ouma

The Kenyan government on Tuesday banned millers from importing maize and wheat into the country.

President William Ruto stated that the directive aims to safeguard local farmers.

The order, according to Ruto, will only be reversed if local produce is inadequate.

President Ruto stated that the government will spend Ksh4 billion (USD$27 million) to buy maize from farmers to stabilize prices.

“We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices,” said William Ruto.

The Kenyan president announced that farmers will utilize National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) driers to dry their maize for a low cost of Ksh50 to avoid post-harvest losses due to high moisture.

This is from a high of nearly Kshh400 a bag, which is approximately USD$3.

“Even if farmers don’t want to sell their maize to NCPB, they will have an opportunity to dry their produce at the State agency and store it,” added Ruto.