State allows importation of duty-free maize, sugar and rice

Assorted sugar on display at Khetis supermarket in Eldoret. [Christopher kipsang,Standard]

The government has waived import duty on maize, rice and sugar in its latest bid to tame the price of essential food items that have gotten out of reach for many Kenyans.

Maize millers and traders will have six months - between February and August next year to import 900,000 tonnes of white maize into the country, according to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) Njuguna Ndung'u.