The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) has attributed the scarcity of subsidized maize flour to increased demand by consumers.
They cite that Global food prices are at an all-time high due to a combination of factors including logistical challenges and rising oil prices. The East African region experiences a cyclical drought every five years and this year is no different as the region has experienced a prolonged and severe drought that affected the region and impacted maize grain supplies.
The Government has taken the necessary interventions needed to secure vulnerable households through the subsidy-backed programme that has capped the retail price of the 2 kilogram maize flour packet at Ksh100
“Since the introduction of the maize subsidy programme in late July, the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) members have seen an unprecedented surge in demand from their consumers for subsidized maize flour,” says the association.
CMA says that the surge in demand results from consumers enjoying the benefits of subsidized Ksh100 price by buying above-average stocks and Consumers stocking up ahead of the upcoming General Elections.
The association adds that although the supply of maize grain has improved, millers are still struggling to meet this increased demand. The millers say that they are confident that as supplies of maize improve from local and regional harvests, more flour will become available to consumers.
