Agribusiness
Maize Flour Prices to Skyrocket Further
Maize flour cost is likely to increase after the import tax waiver ends. The prices are to rise further from the current Ksh 200. These prices will pressure Kenyans, who have been complaining endlessly about the increased prices of the products.
The waiver was placed on July 1st to control the maize flour price, which rose to Ksh 225 before the elections.
“The gazette notice No.7499 directive for waiver of fees for maize with effect from July 1 to September 30 refers. Please note that the waiver period will lapse on September 30. You are hereby advised to resume charges for maize and animal feeds from October 1,” Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (Kephis) managing director Theophilus Mutui in an internal memo.
The prices waiver had been gazetted by the outgoing Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya on July 1st after the prices pushed Kenyans to pay up to Ksh 225 for a 2kg packet. The price left a lot of Kenyans complaining about the cost of living hence the implementation of the waiver.
On the other hand, farmers have speculated about raising the prices since they have experienced poor harvests due to low rains. The low rains have lowered their agricultural productivity; hence the farmers have argued that they have no choice but to raise the prices.
