Plans by the government to allow millers and traders to import 12.5 million bags of maize into the country has continued to elicit mixed reactions in the country.
Farmers and leaders from maize growing areas have faulted the government as the move is likely to have a negative impact on their business.
Former Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich alias Buzeki has also weighed in on the matter, slamming the government over the plans.
According to Buzeki, the move will only provide a market for farmers in other countries and the expense of local ones.
He also termed Jubilee’s promise to ensure the country is food security as fake.
“UNABLE to feed our NATION and keep IMPORTING staple food. WE CREATE INTERNATIONAL jobs LOCALLY by BEING reliable CUSTOMERs to FOREIGN farmers. JUBILEE with all your HYPE and PR on FOOD security! FAKE GALANA MAIZE!!UG,TZ,SA,MEXICO We are LOYAL!! 2022 Ni CHANGE!” reads part of Buzeki’s tweet on Thursday.
Maize farmers, especially from the North Rift region who contribute more to the county’s food basket, have found themselves in the midst of hard economic situations since the last harvest season.
The government through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) lowered the maize prices and failed to provide affordable fertilizers when the planting season came.
This led to many farmers holding their products waiting for better prices, a situation which has led to a shortage in the country.