Assure Kenyans of cheap Unga even after subsidy

Maize flour on sale at a supermarket along Langata Road, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The government’s decision to subsidise maize flour came as a great relief to most Kenyan households that depend on it as a staple food.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the subsidy will run for four weeks, which puts its life to shortly after the August 9 General Election.

Until that move was taken, a 2kg packet of maize flour was being sold at Sh230, but will now go for Sh100. Munya’s announcement was greeted with audible sighs of relief across the country as citizens took to social media to express gratitude.

As would be expected, however, there were those who read a sinister motive in the move to reduce the cost of maize flour, coming just weeks to the elections. They believe this is a government plot to hoodwink voters into favouring one side of the political divide.

While there are many reasons for such cynism, the expectation of Kenyans is that the decision to subsidise maize flour is not political; that it was informed by genuine concern for millions of Kenyans who are living in misery following the twin effects of Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war.

In truth, many families have either been sleeping on empty stomachs, cut back their food rations, or had changed diet and started eating foods that are less expensive, especially for large families where ugali had been pushed beyond their reach.

Kenyans expect that the new price will hold, and that unscrupulous businessmen and women will not create artificial shortages. Kenyans should not go hungry after August.

Subsidising unga, however, is a short-term measure. We must pursue more sustainable ways of fighting hunger. More attention should be given to the agricultural sector.

Subsidising farm inputs, employing agricultural extension workers as well as shifting focus away from rain fed agriculture are some of the measures that can, if implemented, ensure Kenya is food secure.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and must be given the attention it deserves.