NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 8 – Maize flour shortage in supermarkets across the country has forced some Nairobians to get maize from upcountry lest they go without their staple meal ugali.
A spot check by Capital FM in three supermarkets in Nairobi confirmed there was no maize flour on the shelves.
On the other hand, a check at The Guardian Angel bus parcel collection section and the Machakos bus stop noted an overwhelming number of Kenyans queuing to receive their parcels, mostly sacks of maize from their relatives upcountry.
Patrick Kibet, Traffic Manager at the Guardian Angel noted that they have witnessed the largest number of people picking heavy parcels, majorly maize sacks and foodstuff from upcountry
He attributed this move to the unavailability of this basic commodity in most shops in the city.
“What we have witnessed today, foodstuff and majorly maize is being ferried from upcountry to Nairobi. The main reason is that we have a shortage of maize flour in the country. People go to shops and supermarkets but they can’t find maize flour,” he stated.
He further alluded that the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has made Kenyans consider cheaper options when purchasing items.
“People have opted to getting maize from home and grinding it at posho mills as it is cheaper and will get them going for some time,” he added.
A resident of Nairobi who sought anonymity told Capital FM that he had no option but to request maize from home to survive as the shortage of maize flour in the city is unbearable.
“The economy is not doing well, the prices of most household commodities are up and there is no maize flour in the supermarkets. It is better if we get maize from home and take it to the posho mill,” he stated.
The government has been calling out on maize flour millers and retailers to stop hoarding maize flour which has led to this artificial shortage.
The shortage has been attributed to a tiff between millers and retailers where millers have come up with new conditions which are not palatable for some retailers.
