Its hard survival for Busia residents as they scramble for the government subsidized Sh 100 maize flour, with their Ugandan neighbours, owing to the geographical location of the town at the border.
The precious commodity, which constitutes the daily meal of the majority of Busia residents, is in shortage in leading supermarkets and kiosks.
A spot check by KNA in some of the supermarkets indicated most shops are still retailing the commodity at Sh230.
A few shops that have the “Gold” product are only allowing customers to pick only one 2Kg flour at Sh. 100, or buy at normal price of 230 per 2kg bag.
Speaking to members of the press, Robert Wafula, a bodaboda rider in Busia town, lamented about the current scenario, while lamenting about the high cost of living and appealed for the government’s intervention.
“Despite president Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive that maize flour be retailed at Sh.100, I am unable to feed my young family because most shops are still selling it at Sh. 230,” said Wafula, adding that the situation has been worsened by the tough economic times that have greatly reduced his daily income.
In addition, he noted, their neighbours are crossing the border to come and buy the same.
“The government of Kenya should follow up on the matter of unga to deliver us from the hands of unscrupulous traders taking advantage of our vulnerability,” added Wafula.
His sentiments were echoed by Purity Njeri, who accused traders in the Central Business District (CBD) of hoarding the subsidized flour with intention to hike the prices once the government intervention period expires.
“Some millers are colluding with shops and supermarkets to hoard the precious commodity with hopes of increasing the price,” said Njeri, adding that some traders secretly sell the commodity at higher prices to Ugandan traders across the porous border.
An interview with an employee of Halisi flour mills whose identity can’t be revealed for security reasons, revealed that the milling company was suffering from a maize shortage.
“There is an acute maize shortage owing to poor rains in the last season, a factor that has led to high prices of maize flour. As millers, we have no choice but to extend additional costs we incur in sourcing maize to the consumer,” he said.
He claimed that the government allocation to flour millers was not sufficient to meet their operational expenses.
“We appreciate the government’s intervention to partner with us in lowering the cost of maize flour. However, the allocation is merely sufficient to address the crisis. We need a long-term intervention for sustainable results,” he added.
