Cereal Millers Association chairman Nick Hutchinson at a past function[ Photo/The Star]
Millers across the country have downplayed claims of hoarding subsidized maize after the government announced plans to end the programme. According to the Cereal Millers Association chairman Nick Hutchinson, there is no subsidized maize in stores as claimed.
He divulged that millers are now buying maize at the prices determined by the forces of demand and supply. Hutchinson also said that they are optimistic that the price of maize will become stable once the supply increases.
“They are now buying maize at market-determined prices. We hope the prices will stabilize as soon as there are adequate supplies of maize in the market,” read part of his statement.
Hutchinson also said that the Millers agreed to retain any leftover subsidy maize to the NCPB. In November Agriculture CS Willy Bett announced that there are plans to end the subsidy programme.
National Cereals and Produce Board is buying a 90kg bag of maize from traders and farmers at Sh3, 200 while millers are buying the same at Sh3, 000. Kenyans now have to part with between Sh110 to Sh120 for a 2kg packet of maize flour in the local market.