The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has assured Kenyans that there will be enough subsidized maize flour in the market and that there was no need to hoard the flour to lock out the needy.
Through their Chairman Rajan Shah, they said all millers have increased their milling capacity to ensure that there is sufficient stock in the market.
Rajan, who is the MD, Capwell Industries that manufactures Soko and Amaize maize flour said the subsidy offered by the government to the millers will help their businesses source enough maize stocks locally and internationally as well as ease milling.
He called on consumers to exercise responsibility when purchasing the commodity to ensure even the needy get a chance to access the product.
Rajan cited the past few days when stocks of the subsidized flour dried in the market, attributing it to anxiety buying among Kenyans.
“There is no need to buy huge stocks of the subsidized maize flour. From this week, millers have boosted their production capacities to ensure there is sufficient product in the market. What we need is responsible buying where you don’t buy to hoard,” said the MD.
A visit by the East African Community Principal Secretary Dr. Kevit Desai at the factory Monday established lots of activity including milling, packaging and transportations of the Soko Maize flour among other products that the company manufactures to the various markets.
Rajan said the company purposes to ensure there are enough stocks in the market, though it will be informed by the availability of maize, which he hoped will be enough to run the programme.
He however, said other premium maize flour including Amaize, will continue retailing at the unsubsidized rates since they were not part of the programme.
Rajan at the same time called on the government to come up with long term measures of ensuring maize availability across the year in order to stabilize flour prices.
Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a directive to reduce the price of maize flour from Sh240 to Sh100, following an outcry over the high cost of living from the citizens.
He said the subsidy followed a deal between the government and the millers.
By Muoki Charles
