In a decisive move aimed at stabilizing maize flour (unga) prices, the government, under the direction of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, has announced the waiver of import duty on 5.5 million bags of yellow maize over the next year. This measure seeks to address the escalating costs of unga, a staple food in Kenyan households, by strategically separating the supply chains for animal feed and human consumption.

The announcement, made on Friday, April 4, underscores the government's concern over the rising price of maize, which has seen a 26 percent increase in the price of a 90-kilogram bag over the past three months. This surge in price is attributed to millers producing both animal and human feed competing for white maize, leading to increased demand amidst a limited supply.

CS Kagwe clarified that the imported yellow maize will be primarily designated for animal feed production, while white maize will be reserved for human consumption. This strategic separation aims to alleviate the pressure on white maize supplies and, consequently, reduce the cost of maize flour for consumers. To ensure effective implementation, the government will identify eligible animal feed millers, requiring them to demonstrate their capacity to process yellow maize before granting import clearance for the non-GMO variety.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader plan to transition animal feed production entirely to yellow maize. CS Kagwe has urged Kenyan farmers to consider cultivating yellow maize to meet the domestic demand of over 1 million metric tonnes required annually by the animal feed industry. He emphasized that this shift would reduce dependency on imports and positively contribute to the national economy.

In tandem with the yellow maize import strategy, the government will continue to supply millers producing maize flour for human consumption with grains from the National Strategic Food Reserve. This dual approach aims to ensure a stable supply and affordable prices for maize flour, which currently retails between Sh130 and Sh195 for a 2kg packet, depending on the brand and retailer.

The government's multi-pronged strategy reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges in the maize market, supporting both consumers and the agricultural sector. By strategically managing imports and encouraging local production of yellow maize, the government hopes to create a more stable and sustainable maize supply chain.