Gov't says prices of maize, unga to drop next week

Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Crop Development, Harsama Kelo now says that the prices of maize and unga will considerably reduce next week.

In a Twitter statement on Thursday, Kelo noted that he had held talks with members of the United Grain Millers Association (UGMA) ahead of the price adjustments.

"Today held meeting with members of United Grain Millers Association. Noted that by next week prices of maize and unga will reduce significantly," said Kelo.

As it stands, a 2-kilogram packet of unga retails from between Ksh.200 to Ksh.270. A 90-kilogram bag of maize, on the other hand, can be acquired for between Ksh.6,000 and Ksh.7,000. 

In May, UGMA warned that the prices of maize and unga are likely to increase due to shortages currently being experienced across the country.

“We would like to register concerns on the shortage of maize and wheat in the country, which if left unchecked, shall lead to a devastating food crisis,” the millers said.

According to the millers, the shortages are as a result of persistent drought and reduced maize flow from East Africa Community (EAC) cross-border trade.

The millers likewise attributed the shortages to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has affected importation, as well as the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.