President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that the government will crack down on traders and cartels hoarding maize in the country with the intention to hike prices.
The head of state warned that those who will be found culpable will be prosecuted for wanting to take advantage of Kenyans.
Speaking during the meet the people tour in Nakuru County on Saturday, Uhuru cautioned the cartels that the government will be dealing with them without any favor, adding that the government will not hesitate to have them face the hand of the law.
“We heard the cry of the citizens and we did not go about blaming everyone. We lowered maize flour price from Sh150 to Sh90. Since we subsidized the prices, the demand has tremendously gone high. Those hoarding the commodity will face the law,” he said.
He further assured Kenyans that there will be enough maize supply across the country, adding that another consignment will soon dock at the port to mitigate the current shortage.
“I want to assure all Kenyans that there will be enough maize, what will be arriving soon will cater for the current shortage,” he said.
The head of state maintained that the government will continue to import the maize until local farmers’ harvest.
“We shall continue to ensure that the subsidized prices are sustained and imports maintained until our farmers harvest what they planted for this season,’ he said.
Uhuru reiterated the current shortage was occasioned by a prolonged dry season.
