Blow to Ruto's Government as Court Suspends Kenya-Zambia Maize Deal

A High Court has suspended the move by the government to contract Zambia Farmers to grow maize exclusively for Kenya.

Justice M. Thande suspended the move pending the hearing of the case filed by Farmers Party leader Irungu Nyakera.

"That after considering the principles for grant of conservatory orders at the exparte stage, I find that the orders sought in the Application are merited. Accordingly, I do grant prayer 2 of the Application," Thande ruled.

Farmers Party of Kenya in court documents said it's not logical for Kenya to engage Zambia to produce maize since the country is equally facing a similar shortage.

They claim Zambia is also importing maize to satisfy the demands of its citizens therefore Kenya cannot purport to farm in the said country.

"The impugned decision is not only indiscreet but unfeasible for reasons that Kenya has more arable land than Zambia," they said.

The party indicates that Kenya has approximately 5.8 million hectares and Zambia 3.8 million hectares of arable land.

In March, the government made a decision to contract farmers in Zambia to carry out large-scale farming for export into Kenya.

While signing the MoU in Lusaka last month, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi said the move will help in achieving food security.

Farmers party has however objected to the claim saying it is unrealistic.

The court further directed that parties in the case be served by April 19, 2023, and the responses to the case be served by May 3, 2023.

The case will be mentioned on May 16, 2023.