Senator Cherargei Takes Action Over Government's Decision to Import Maize

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has said that the government's decision to import duty-free maize came at the wrong time.

In a statement on Monday, November 21, the lawmaker said that it was unfair to farmers as some were currently harvesting maize and the importation will lower the price of the commodity.

Cherargei said that he will convene a meeting with MPs from maize growing regions in the country to deliberate on the way forward.

"The importation of duty free maize is not fair to us maize farmers because of its wrong timing. In the R. Valley we are currently harvesting maize now it shall lower prices of maize. We shall tomorrow meet MPs of maize growing areas to develop a sustainable solution on the matter," Cheragei stated.

His remarks come after Trade, Industry and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria said that the government will import duty-free maize for the next six months to ensure there is enough of the commodity in the country.

However, on Monday, Kuria said that the government will open up the market to anyone who wishes to import the commodity.

"The gazette notice we will release today will open up the market to Millers and anyone to import Maize duty free for 6 months. Government will not import any Maize inputs," he stated.

Kuria further urged farmers to deliver their maize to millers so that the government does not need to import.

"It is further expected that the farmers are about to harvest 35 Million bags in the next 2 weeks. Urgently deliver that to the Millers and so they will not need to import," Kuria said.