How ban will impact on country’s maize deficit

By Bernard Muthaka

It remains to be seen how the ban will impact on Kenya’s maize deficit, which stands at about 300,000 metric tons last year, given that all of it will have to come from producers of non-GM maize. 

Last year, in the midst of ravaging food shortage, Kenya did not hesitate to approve imports of GM maize.

Experts views

Experts say the reality of maize shortage may not receive due attention, given the current national preoccupation with politics.

“The Ministry of Agriculture did not treat it as an emergency ...we do not expect much from the Government especially at a time like this when everyone is preoccupied with the March 4 elections,” says a paper published by Tegemeo Institute, a policy research institute of Egerton University.

Otlook dimmer

The Institute says the outlook for maize looks dimmer, given the intention of the Government to levy VAT on food and fertilizer.

Imposing 16 per cent VAT on agricultural inputs and food commodities will see consumers pay 22 per cent more per kilogram of maize.  This will be coupled by decreased harvests, as farmers will opt to use less fertiliser.

“Households will cope through skipping meals, eating less quantity thus exacerbating undernourishment,” says the study.