President William Ruto has announced the ban of importation of wheat and maize into the country.
In a statement released by the State House on Thursday, October 5, Ruto stated that the move was aimed at protecting local farmers.
Further, he noted that the government would only go back on the move if the produce from the local farmers was insufficient.
He also noted that the government would allocate Ksh4 billion to buy grains from the local farmers to stabilize the prices of food in the country.
The President pointed out that the Government will allocate Ksh4 billion to buy maize from farmers.
“We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices. Even if farmers don’t want to sell their maize to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), they will have an opportunity to dry their produce at the State agency and store it,” Ruto stated.
Government’s Plan to Help Farmers Preserve Grains
At the same time, the Head of State stated that the government would reduce the cost of drying grains by the National Cereals and Produce Board from Ksh400 to Ksh50.
He added that the move would help farmers to reduce post-harvest losses over high moisture.
Additionally, Ruto promised to establish a KCC milk plant in Narok to improve milk quality and boost prices.
Also Read: List of Items Whose Prices Increased or Reduced in September
KNBS on Increase and Decrease in Food Prices in September
The lates report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) noted that Potatoes and cabbages are among the food items whose prices increased in September.
According to the report, the prices of potatoes (1Kg) increased by 18.4 percent while cabbages (1kg) went up by 7.4 percent.
Other prices that increased included rent, the cost of kerosene, diesel and petrol, as well as the prices of tomatoes and kales.
On the flip side, the report indicated that the prices of food items such as 2Kgs of wheat flour and fortified maize flour decreased by 3.6 percent and 6.0 percent respectively.
Moreover, 1Kg maize grain (loose) reduced by 5.4 percent while maize flour (loose) reduced by 6.7 percent. Electricity prices also recorded a decrease in price.
Also Read: State to Prioritize Investment for Food Security in ASALs
