Agriculture Minister William Ruto responds to questions on his alleged role in the maize scandal, and the cartels that drained the Strategic Grain Reserve.

The Standard on Saturday: What are the major causes of the current maize shortage?

What are the major causes of the current maize shortage?Answer: (a) Inadequate strategic grain reserve provisions of four million bags that has been maintained for the last 25 years while the population has doubled.

(b) Escalation of prices of farm inputs, especially fertiliser and fuel, which reduced acreage and caused lower yield.

(c) Post-election challenges that resulted in destruction of 3.5 million bags of maize while 30 per cent of farmers were displaced or affected leaving 30 per cent of productive farmland fallow.

(d) Delayed intervention by the Government on the price of farm inputs.

(e) Below average rainfall during and after the planting season.

(f) Unpredicted heavy rains during the harvesting season that destroyed 2.5 million bags of maize.

(g) Regional and global food shortage which impeded traditional cross-border flow of maize from our East African neighbours.Standard: Is it true that the National Cereals Produce Board allocated some MPs maize irregularly?Answer: To the best of my knowledge, and according to the records at the National Cereals and Produce Board, no MP was allocated maize in (his or her) own name, let alone irregularly. I have released to the public names of all companies, which bought maize and any anyone is free to find out who owns the companies.Standard: Where do you stand in this maize circus?Answer: I am clean. My actions on this matter were, are and will continue to be above-board, beyond reproach and in the best interests of the public.Standard: Would you resign if it’s found indeed MPs and other cartels are behind the shortage?Answer: I will resign if there is proof that I participated or I am implicated in the scam. If any Member of Parliament is found to be involved, they should carry their own cross, and if a cartel is to blame, they should be charged for everything, including murder.Standard: What is the rationale of sacking line managers and leaving the chief executive of NCPB, when the buck stops with the boss?Answer: The question presumes that the reorganisation at NCPB was in reaction to the outcry over maize. The reality, however, is that in October last year, it had become necessary to reorganise NCPB to do away with redundant positions in management, or those that duplicated roles. A consultant the Government hired to make recommendations for reorganisation to maximise on efficiency and professionalism submitted their report, which became the basis for my action. The outcome of ongoing investigation will form the basis for further action.Standard: Does your ministry have experts and institutions that monitor food security?

William Ruto

Does your ministry have experts and institutions that monitor food security?

Answer: Yes, we do.Standard: Why are you working around an error in the face of cyclic food emergencies?Answer: There is a serious gap between information available, action intended and what actually gets done.Standard: The first time you raised alarm that the national grain reserves had been depleted was in November, last year. Why are we still in a crisis three months later?Answer: There are several factors: (a) Budgetary constraints impeded our importation of the first three million bags we had recommended. Only1.5 million bags were imported.

(b) Unpredictable rains during harvest season in October last year, destroyed 2.5 million bags, which forced the Government to dry maize grain at no charge.

(c) Arguments between the Government and farmers over the price of maize delayed delivery of maize to NCPB, and lastly delay in waiver of duty on imported maizeStandard: Is there a link between the shortage and the controversial tender for the second grain handling facility at the port?Answer: No. The issue of grain handling facility only affects imported maize once it arrives at the port. For now, we have no ships waiting.Standard: You were a Cabinet minister before the Grand Coalition Government arrangement. What are the differences in your working then and now?Answer: I was minister in the dying moments of the Moi regime. I attended only two Cabinet meetings and it was election time. Nothing serious was discussed. I therefore do not have much to compare.Standard: Should the Government pursue the establishment of a second grain handling facility?Answer: A second, third and fourth grain handling facility and not just in Mombasa but Malindi, Lamu and Vanga are a necessary economic imperative. There is no risk to government as this will be owned and operated on by the private sector.Standard: Any other crucial issues?Answer: There are three issues: (a) Value addition as a means of enhancing producer earnings, expanding opportunities for employment in the fight against poverty is the way to the future.

(b) Agro forestry as a means of creating harmony between agricultural activities, food production as a new front of sustainable use of the environment.

(c ) Horticulture as a factor of economic use for both for both domestic use and export.Standard: Most Kenyans and donors think the government misled the world with the claim 10 million Kenyans are at the risk of starvation. How was the figure reached and is it factual?Answer: The Government conducted the survey with development partners and the World Food Programme.