Goverment in rush to reduce prices of unga and milk

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Milk in a shelve at one of the supermarkets. PHOTO: COURTESY.

Nairobi, KENYA: A high level multi-agency caucus led by the Cabinet Secretary CS Finance Henry Rotich is at its peak in the preparation of a supplementary budget to oversee the drought calamity currently being experienced in the country.

According to the Government, the projections set up by the team are to be presented before the National Parliament and Senate for approval in a bid to lower the soaring prices of maize flour.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Thursday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre KICC, Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe mentioned that the drought being experienced in the region has caused the prices of essential commodities to rise at an alarming pace.

“The Eastern and Southern Africa regions are experiencing the worst drought in 20 years. This has caused an acute shortage of agricultural supplies. The worst affected commodities are maize, sugar and milk,” Mr.
Kiraithe commented.

Mr. Kiraithe confirmed that Kenya has received a shipment of 600,000 metric tonnes of white maize from Mexico that is expected to cushion the pangs caused by the shortage.

A statement from the Office of the Government Spokesman, also said that last week the Government completed releasing 750,000 bags of maize into the market through the National Cereals and Produce Board.

Members of the supply chain responsible for distribution of essential commodities like maize have been warned by Mr. Kiraithe against hoarding the goods as they bring about artificial shortages.

“Stakeholders in the food value chain must avoid such unethical acts. Such practices amount to economic sabotage,” the Spokesman concluded.

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