Kenya's Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe has warned that the government will start importing duty-free maize if farmers continue to withhold their produce. This follows the allocation of Sh1.7 billion to purchase 1.7 million bags of maize, but farmers have refused to deliver them to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Kagwe issued the warning during a visit to Kirinyaga County.
Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe issued a stern warning during his visit to the NCPB depot in Kirinyaga County, following the launch of subsidized fertilizer distribution. He revealed that the government has set aside Sh1.7 billion to buy 1.7 million bags of maize from farmers, but they have withheld their produce in anticipation of higher prices. The government has been offering Sh4,000 per bag, a rate some farmers consider too low. Kagwe gave farmers a 30-day ultimatum to deliver their maize to the NCPB, or else the ministry will begin importing duty-free maize from abroad. This move could impact the domestic market and farmers expecting greater profits. Kirinyaga County is a key maize-producing area in Kenya, highlighting tensions between the government and farmers over pricing and produce delivery.