Kenya announced on Friday the removal of tax on imported maize in a bid to boost food security.
Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna said the removal of duties on imported maize is aimed at stabilizing the supply of the cereal which is a staple for many families.
Oguna said the government had set out to find a sustainable solution to food insecurity by expanding the area under cultivation of maize and other staple crops such as wheat and rice.
The number of Kenyans facing a food crisis has risen to 4.1 million, up from 3.5 million just a few months ago, the government said.
Oguna attributed Kenya’s current food deficit to recurrent drought, the crisis in Ukraine, disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and instability in international financial markets.
Oguna said Kenya had identified several countries where millers could import two million tonnes of wheat every month to meet domestic demand, adding that he was optimistic that retail prices of maize and wheat flour, bread, cooking oil, potatoes, petrol and kerosene will fall.
Oguna added that the government will also distribute subsidized fertilizer and other agricultural inputs in a bid to increase crop yields, food security and rural incomes.
To join the group “AOL” just click: Join Group and your request will be approved immediately.
Outney
