Local Cereal Millers under the umbrella of the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) have warned that the recent ban on maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania will result in an increase in maize flour prices.
CMA members, who account for over 40 percent of processed flour in the country, has raised concern that the current stocks in their possession may last only two weeks in light of the monthly demand of 3 million bags of maize.
Early last month, the agriculture and food authority (AFA) ordered a ban on the importation of maize from the two countries.
The decision to ban importation followed surveillance and testing of maize from the two countries that revealed high levels of aflatoxin unsafe for consumption.
One month on, the CMA is now warning that the price of maize prices could increase as the stalemate over the importation of maize from both countries continue.
The millers lobby association, is worried that the current maize stocks among its members may not last a month.
This is especially considering that Kenya consumes an average of 3 million 90 kilogramme bags every month, part of which must be imported due to differences in harvesting periods in various counties.
The CMA says its members are holding stocks of around 1.5 million bags.
Due to the supply gap, the CMA says prices of raw grain in Nairobi have moved to Ksh.2,800 from Ksh.2,500.
This has subsequently seen the price of a maize flour bale increase to Ksh.1,250, with room for a further price increment should the situation not to be resolved immediately.
While welcoming the ban on maize that contains aflatoxin levels above the 10 parts per billion (ppb) threshold, the CMA is now requesting the government to allow maize that does not breach this level be allowed to avoid a grain shortage.
CMA has recommended the establishment of a joint task force to ensure that there is full coordination and communication of the current maize restriction and ensure involvement of all regulators.
The millers lobby group also says inspection should be performed so that clean maize can be cleared.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), AFA and accredited laboratories have also been urged to test for aflatoxins at the border point to avoid further delays.
CMA also wants a temporary lifting of the requirement for certificates of conformity until the processes are seamless while ensuring that porous border points are manned.
Local millers also want all good quality maize held by traders and farmers within the country to be made immediately available to millers to ensure that supply of maize flour is not impeded during this period.
The CMA is confident that the proposed immediate measures will protect Kenyan consumers from higher food prices.
By Vincent Odhiambo
