Don’t Panic Over Unga Prices, Says CS Mutahi Kagwe
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has sought to calm public fears over the rising cost of unga, assuring Kenyans that the government has measures in place to stabilize prices and prevent further increases.
Speaking during the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) at the UN headquarters in Nairobi, Kagwe dismissed concerns that maize and unga prices are on an unstoppable upward trajectory.
“We are aware of the maize stocks in the country and that some individuals are holding maize, hoping prices will rise. Unfortunately for them, that will not happen,” said Kagwe.
Currently, a 2kg packet of grade one unga is retailing at an average of Sh160—an alarming jump from Sh100 in January. Similarly, a 90kg bag of maize now costs Sh4,200, up from Sh3,500 just four months ago.
To address the issue, Kagwe announced that the government will release maize from the National Cereals and Produce Board’s strategic reserves to millers, a move aimed at cushioning consumers.
“We will release some of the maize we have in the strategic reserves to ensure the price remains stable,” he stated.
The CS further revealed that Kenya has engaged with neighboring Tanzania to facilitate maize imports and ensure a consistent regional supply.
“We trade maize freely within the East African Community, and we are confident that maize will come into Kenya from Tanzania,” he added.
Kagwe reiterated that Kenyans should not panic, promising proactive government intervention.
“We will make sure the price does not go up by releasing the strategic maize reserves we have,” he assured.
In a separate announcement, Kagwe disclosed plans to gazette the importation of duty-free yellow maize specifically for feed millers. This initiative aims to reduce the cost of animal feed, which has also spiked in recent months.
“This will be imported directly by the millers who produce animal feeds, and it is aimed at lowering the prices of animal feeds,” he explained.
He concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to stabilizing the food supply chain, noting that the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) stocks will be released in due course.
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Don’t Panic Over Unga Prices, Says CS Mutahi Kagwe