Rejected maize to be shipped to SA

By Philip Mwakio

The controversial maize rejected over its quality was loaded onto a ship ready for return to South Africa.

The 6,254 metric tones of white maize is to be shipped from Mombasa port under the watchful eye of health officials.

Deputy Chief Public Health Officer John Kariuki inspected the maize at a Government bonded warehouse before being loaded onto the vessel.

"We have confirmed the contaminated maize consignment is intact. However, part of the consignment in 90kgs is to be reduced into 50kg bags before being loaded on the ship,’’ said Dr Kariuki.

He was accompanied by the Coast Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation Anisa Omar.

Kariuki said security would be maintained to ensure the consignment did not find its way into the market.

A Panamian-flagged ship Mv Gemini I docked at berth number nine for loading. Reshipment of the maize could end infighting in Government over the consignment.

Public Health and Sanitation minister Beth Mugo had persistently claimed the condemned imported maize was sold even as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and the importer National Cereals and Produce Board maintained it was intact.

The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture made several visits to Grain Bulk Handlers Limited silos where the consignment was stored to confirm Mrs Mugo’s claims.

The cargo was removed from the silos last week to the port bonded warehouse. The loading was witnessed by officials from Kebs, NCPB, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission (Kacc) and the Kenya Ports Authority.