Gov’t announces ban on importation of maize, wheat
Written by Inka FM on 6 October 2023
The government has announced a ban on the importation of wheat and maize in a move meant to safeguard farmers.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi where he met a delegation from Narok North constituency on Thursday, October 5, 2023, President William Ruto noted that no permits will be issued to millers to import wheat or maize into Kenya.
While maintaining that the move will help stabilise Unga prices, the president also assured Kenyans that his administration will allocate Ksh4 billion to buy maize directly from local farmers.
He, also urged local farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices noting that the government will only deviate from the directive if the maize produced locally is insufficient.
“We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices,” the President said.
Additionally. Ruto assured farmers that the government had come to an agreement with NCPB to allow farmers to dry their maize at a minimal fee of Ksh50, to reduce post-harvest losses due to moisture.
“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,” Ruto said.
At the same time, the country’s Head of State announced that the government will establish a KCC milk plant in Narok to improve milk quality and subsequently boost prices.
