The government of Kenya and the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) have signed an agreement that will see the price of maize flour reduced.
The agreement follows an announcement by President Uhuru Kenyatta on new stimulus measures to cushion Kenyans against the high cost of living, effectively lowering the cost of maize flour. According to CMA, the pact will ensure that all Kenyan consumers have access to adequate supplies of affordable, nutritious, and quality maize-flour.
“The CMA is confident that the agreement will protect Kenyan consumers from the high food prices. As an association we are committed to playing our part to ensure all Kenyans can afford to put a meal on their tables,” a statement from the organisation stated.
Inked deal
Under the agreement, the CMA members will sell maize flour brands, at a subsidized rate, to retailers and distributors in all parts of the country. The retailers will in turn ensure that consumers can buy the flour at a maximum price of Sh100 per 2kg bag.
The successful agreement was arrived at following fruitful negotiations that resulted in the National Treasury setting aside funds for the subsidy programme thereby ensuring that the maize flour price is capped at the Sh100 price
Additionally, an oversight committee will be formed with representatives from the Cereal Millers Association, the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Treasury to oversee the effective working and success of the subsidy programme. Maize meal is Kenya’s staple food and its cost escalation was threatening to divide the nation, with leaders outside the government calling for urgent measures to lower its price.
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