Govt identifying posho mills to process tax-free maize
The government has started identifying posho mills to be allocated imported maize for processing, Agriculture CS Willy Bett said on Saturday.
KRA waived import duty on white maize in May. Since then, 2.1 million bags have been imported, mainly from Mexico with three million more expected.
Since the imports began flowing in, the maize has been distributed to large firms but the CS said in order to reach all parts of the country, the government would ask for help from posho mill owners.
“We have set some conditions and we will work with those who meet them. We are aware that whenever there is a programme for government subsidy, some businesspeople take advantage to make more money but this will not happen,” he said at Mombasa port when he received a vessel with 42,000 tonnes of maize.
Under the Sh6 billion plan, a 2kg packet of flour is retailing at Sh90.
Mr Bett said there was a possibility of extending the import window beyond July 31. He added the ministry was studying the weather patterns with the view of considering an extension.
Present at the briefing were Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa and Kenya Ports Authority MD Catherine Mturi-Wairi.
Mr Marwa instructed chiefs to distribute relief food in their custody.
“The government has distributed rice donated by China in various parts of the country. We don’t want this food to remain in stores,” he said, adding that those who defied the order would face disciplinary action.