The government has advised Kenyans to import maize within the specified time, as an attempt to stabilize food prices.
However, while importing the maize, Kenyans are required to follow set guidelines on quality standards.
This appeal follows government announcement of the waiver on maize importation tax due to the rising food prices and basic items over the recent months.
Moreover, the deadline for importing maize by anyone interested has been set to August 6, 2022.
In addition, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya on Wednesday, June 29 reported that, abolishing the tax levied on maize imports will make sure the supply of maize in the country is high. Thus, lowering the cost of flour production.
Besides, according to a statement from the office of government spokesperson, the exponential increase in prices is as a result of COVID-19, depressed patterns of rainfall and the Russia-Ukraine conflict which they argue has affected the global supply chain of goods including food items.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances, the Government has waived import duty applicable to white non-GMO maize imported into the country on or before 6th August 2022 to settle the local demand,” read part of the statement.
Furthermore, some of the set guidelines to maize importation set by the government are a follows;
- The imported maize shall not be genetically modified in accordance with the laws of Kenya and Kenyan standards implemented by the National Biosafety Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards.
- The imported maize shall have moisture content not exceeding 13.5 percent.
- Each consignment of maize should not exceed ten parts per billion aflatoxin levels as provided for under the laws of Kenya implemented by Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Department of Public Health of the Ministry of Health.
- The imported maize should be accompanied by a certificate of conformity provided by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.