Government Assures Sufficient Maize Flour Supply Amid Shortage

The government has assured Kenyans that there will be enough maize flour on the shelves in the coming days. Speaking to the press, Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna said that the government is trying hard to break a deadlock between millers and retailers.

Oguna said some millers have come up with new conditions that are not palatable for some retailers, causing shortages in many stores. He says there is enough maize flour but some retailers are not stocking it due to these conditions.

“This new directive has seen some retailers not purchase maize flour from millers while others continue to purchase,” he said.

The spokesperson says millers demand immediate payments while retailers want a credit system. He further mentions that the government has initiated talks between millers and retailers to strike a common ground to allow Kenyans access to maize flour in stores.

He noted that the government would push to have two to three days offered to retailers to pay up in order to address the artificial shortage created.

“Retailers were used to the one-month period to repay and now feel the immediate payment is harsh and want it re-looked into,” he said.

The spokesperson says that in the next few days, the stalemate shall have been addressed and maize flour will be in surplus, retailing at government-subsidized prices of Ksh100.

Article By Sally Lizwa