The price of maize produce has been a topic of discussion for almost a month now after the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) announced that they will buy a 90-kilogram bag at Sh2,300.
Farmers and local leaders rejected the price forcing further negotiations involving all parties in a bid to review the price upwards.
However, a Cabinet decision on Thursday maintained that maize will be bought at the earlier announced price, Sh2,300 per 90-kilogram bag.
The Cabinet also approved that the government will buy only two million bags from the farmers.
This decision is likely to spark a heated and rough debate in the North Rift since this amount is lower than what the farmers had quoted.
Members of Parliament led by Cherangany’s Joshua Kutuny, Moiben’s Silas Tiren and Nandi Hills’ Alfred Keter had vowed to lead the farmers in demonstrating against any amount less than Sh3,600.
The trio had also accused Deputy President William Ruto of being behind the challenges the farmers are facing and this decision by the Cabinet is likely to worsen the situation.
Last season, the government was buying maize at Sh3,200.
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