Ruto Bans Maize & Wheat Imports
President William Ruto has imposed a moratorium on wheat and maize imports.
Ruto revealed in a statement to Kenyans.co.ke that no importation permit will be issued to millers for the importation of the two food products.
Ruto added that the move will safeguard farmers who are expected to reap a bountiful harvest due to this year’s rainfall.
“No permits will be issued to millers to import wheat or maize into the country. President William Ruto said the move is aimed at protecting local farmers,” State House noted in a statement.
“He said the Government will only deviate from the directive if the local produce is insufficient. The President pointed out that the Government will allocate Ksh4 billion to buy maize from farmers.”
Ruto announced during a meeting at State House with a delegation of grassroots leaders from Narok County.
Additionally, he advised producers to be wary of individuals who were in the marketplace to take advantage of them.
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“We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices,” he stated.
On the other hand, he mentioned that the government intended to purchase dryers that would be made available to producers for as little as Ksh50 at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.
Ruto clarified that the dryers will be useful given the fact that portions of the country are already experiencing rainfall.
“Even if farmers don’t want to sell their maize to NCPB, they will have an opportunity to dry their produce at the State agency and store it,” he added.
NCPB has not yet disclosed the prices at which it will purchase maize.
Due to the March precipitation, Kenya experienced a bountiful harvest in 2023. This year, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), 44 million sacks of maize will be harvested. This is an increase from the 33.4 million sacks produced last year.
This year, CBK also predicts that 49 million sacks of wheat will be harvested. Farmers harvested three million sacks in 2022.
Ruto Bans Maize & Wheat Imports
