Kenya backtracks on maize import ban as traders protest

Maize crops being harvested at a farm at Kipkenyo village in Uasin Gishu county. Continued rains have affected the maize crop as most of it has rotten before being harvested. [PHOTO BY: KEVIN TUNOI]

Kenyan authorities yesterday backtracked on the maize import ban from Uganda and Tanzania after traders protested the move in what was seen as an attempt to avert a full-blown trade war with the neighbouring countries.

In what contradicted an earlier directive by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the issue had been taken out of context.