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Maize shortage hits Kisii and Nyamira Hard

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Published on Monday, 27 June 2011 20:55

PRICES of maize have hit a new high in Kisii and Nyamira counties following a biting shortage. There are fears that the area may for the first time in decades experience famine.

A spot check by the Star revealed that a two kilogramme tin of maize sells at between Sh150 and Sh180 in most markets. The prices are beyond the reach of  many residents. Local leaders have asked the government to intervene  save the residents from a  looming maize crisis.

The leaders led by Public Works Minister Chris Obure  asked the government to open the National Cereals and Produce Board stores and sell maize to locals at subsided rates.

Speaking during a funeral in Sameta district, Obure attributed the shortage to selling of green maize from farms in Gusii and neighbouring Trans Mara. The Bobasi MP said the sale of green maize from farms should be banned as it worsens food security.

The leaders said Kisi and Nyamira counties should be declared hard ships because of high population and should receive relief food. Sameta DC Yusuf Boru said they had written letters asking the NCPB  to allow schools to buy maize  at subsided rates.

However, Kisii District agricultural officer John Katimbwa denied that there was a maize shortage. “We are approaching the harvesting season and there is no need to raise the red flag,” he told the Star  by phone. Katimbwa however admitted that there is a low supply of maize from neighbouring districts of Trans Mara East and