Tanzania lifts ban on maize export to Kenya

By Luke Anami

Tanzania has lifted maize export ban it had imposed on Kenya three months ago.

The move comes after a meeting of East African Community Sectoral Council of ministers last week in Arusha, and will improve Kenya’s food security.

"Tanzania had put a temporary ban on maize exports. They have now assured us that the ban has been lifted. Kenya will also allow exports of seeds," Dr Romano Kiome, Agriculture Permanent Secretary said on the sidelines of an International Innovations conference in extension and advisory services yesterday at a Nairobi Hotel.

Serious shortage

The PS said the move will now allow for free movement of grains across the region, boosting Kenya’s food security that had been put in jeopardy following a serious shortage of food three months ago.

"The amount of grains in stock is at 14 million bags. Following increased rainfall and the expected harvest, the stocks are projected to increase to 36 million by next year," Dr Kiome, who was flanked by Agriculture Assistant Minister Kariuki Mbiuki, said.

Tanzania imposed the ban four months ago in order to ensure its food even as Kenya battles with a serious food shortage. Tanzania’s move was came about due to Kenya’s decision to ban seed exports in the region, with the Government saying it would ensure Tanzania had adequate food distribution before they listed the ban.

The lift comes as a relief to the Kenyan Government which intends to allow imports of grains to boost its food reserves come next year.

Kiome said the imports of grains, especially maize from Uganda and Tanzania, would boost Kenya’s dilapidated grain reserves.

"We have put in efforts to ensure food security. In the circumstances, we must allow inflows in order to increase our stocks," Kiome said.

He said Kenya is importing more maize from Uganda due to the differences in the level of production in the two countries.

"The cost of production is high in Kenya compared to Uganda. In Kenya, farmers employ heavy use of fertiliser and other farm inputs compared to Uganda where their soil is very fertile and their farm inputs are minimal. We want to encourage cross border trade within our region," he explained.