State To Crackdown On Millers Hoarding Unga

He claimed that some retailers and wholesalers were stockpiling flour in anticipation of higher prices, undermining the government's directive to improve access to the product.

The government has formed a multi-agency task force to crack down on unscrupulous traders who stockpile subsidized maize flour.

Following an agreement with millers, Crops Development and Agricultural Research PS Francis Owino stated that the country has enough maize flour and stocks.

He called the flour shortages in some parts of the country “artificial.”

He claimed that some retailers and wholesalers were stockpiling flour in anticipation of higher prices, undermining the government’s directive to improve access to the product.

“This flour is meant for consumption, not storage. We have enough stocks therefore just buy what is enough for you,” the PS said.

Owino stated that surveillance teams have been dispatched across the country to apprehend those responsible for the hoarding.

“We are going to engage all government machinery to ensure that all traders hoarding the subsidised maize flour are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

According to the PS, Sh256.7 million has been paid to 122 millers out of the Sh4 billion released by the government to facilitate the program, ensuring Kenyans have access to maize flour at Sh100.

He expects the money to arrive in the millers’ accounts on Monday.

Owino also stated that a Sh500 million pending bill from 2017 was being processed.

He blamed the shortage of the commodity in supermarkets on credit arrangements that were unfavorable to millers.

“Supermarkets don’t buy maize flour in cash. They are supplied to sell and pay after 45 days. Therefore, millers are finding it difficult to supply the subsidised maize flour to them,” Owino said.

He stated that the government was working with the supermarkets’ umbrella body to shorten the payment period.

Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday during an inspection tour of the boarded millers in the area, Owino stated that the challenges encountered during the program’s launch have been addressed.

He urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any trader selling flour for more than Sh100.

He claims that the four-week subsidy has helped Kenyans cope with the commodity’s high prices.

“We have enough stocks and we are expecting to harvest soon and this will help stabilise the prices,” he said.

Owino stated that the government will review the program in four weeks and decide how to proceed to ensure that Kenyans continue to have access to the essential commodity.