The government expects unga prices to ease in coming months following the release of the first batch of 200,000 bags of maize from the Strategic Grain Reserve.
In a statement, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said stocks held by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will be allocated to miller associations and individual millers in 90Kg bags at a subsidized rate of Ksh 4,250 per bag as the government targets to cushion consumers from elevated maize flour prices.
“To be considered for allocation, millers will be required to indicate their milling capacity, present a certificate of incorporation, a tax compliance certificate, and a KEBS quality certificate,” said Kagwe.
Official data indicates that average prices of a 2kg fortified maize flour rose by 2.6pc from Ksh 165.05 in March to Ksh 169.41 in April this year. A kilogram of lose maize grain also went up by 2.9pc to Ksh 66.60 over the same period.
The first batch will be distributed through select depots in the North and South Rift regions where NCPB has begun receiving payments for the maize since Thursday last week.
“To deter stock hoarding, millers allocated the NSR maize are required to make an initial payment for 25pc of their total allocation and provide proof of milling and distribution of flour before the full allocation is allowed. They must also submit a maize utilization report before the payment for 75pc is accepted,” he added.
All millers are expected to immediately collect their consignments, begin milling, and distribute the flour upon completing their payment.
