Cereal Millers Association (CMA) has explained the shortage of the subsidised Ksh100 bob 2kg packet of maize flour.
In a statement dated Friday, August 5, the millers noted that there was panic buying as Kenyans rushed to stock up on the available Ksh100 bob maize flour causing the severe shortage.
According to CMA, consumers have been buying the subsidised flour in bulk ahead of the August 9 elections.
A file photo of maize flour on display at a supermarket in Nairobi. CMA stated that its members have seen an unprecedented surge in demand from consumers.
“This surge in demand is as a result of consumers enjoying the benefits of subsidized Ksh100 prices by buying above-average stocks. CMA stated that consumers stocking up ahead of August 9, General Election,” the statement read in part.
“The government has taken the necessary interventions needed to make vulnerable households’ food secure through the subsidy-backed programme that has capped the retail price of the 2-kilogramme maize flour brands at Ksh100.”
CMA also stated that the East African region is experiencing a drought cycle which happens every five years and this has affected rains making it tough for farmers to provide grains.
“This year being no different, the region has experienced a prolonged and severe drought that affected the region and impacted maize grain supplies.”
The millers assured Kenyans that they are committed to providing safe, affordable, and nutritious food to its consumers amid criticism from the political class over the shortage of the valuable commodity.
UDA presidential candidate, William Ruto, took a swipe at the government over what he termed as a failure to deliver of subsidized maize flour.
“There is no unga in any shop or supermarket, leave alone the one they promised to retail at Ksh100. Can you trust them? End state capture on August 9,” he tweeted.
But Azimio la Umoja’s presidential running mate, Martha Karua, pointed fingers at the Deputy President over the ongoing maize flour shortage in the country.
Speaking during a rally at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega county on Wednesday, July 2, Karua claimed that the subsidy unveiled by President Uhuru Kenyatta had already been hived off by corruption cartels within government ranks.
She blamed the DP for leading the team of corrupt officials claiming that his name has, in the past, been associated with such shady dealings.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua during the running mates debate on July 19, 2022.
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