The government has denied a report published in the dailies on Saturday that it had suspended the National Maize Flour Subsidy Program due to inadequate funds.
The Agriculture Ministry on its Twitter account said it was fake, but did not explain anything further. Kenyans are now confused and have reacted to the report.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya was quoted as having said in a memo that the suspension was due to inadequate funds from the treasury.
“Due to inadequate exchequer releases from the National Treasury, it has been decided that the Maize Flour Subsidy Program be suspended immediately,” Mr. Munya said.
In July, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced stimulus measures to cushion Kenyans against the high cost of living, effectively lowering the cost of maize flour.
The Head of State said a 2kilogram-packet of Unga would retail at Sh100 down from an average of Sh225 following talks with millers at State House, Nairobi.
“I note with regret that the cost of a 2 kg pack of maize-meal remains out of reach for many, as it is currently retailing at an average of Sh205,” Kenyatta said after a meeting with Millers at State House.
He announced the suspension of the Railway Development Levy and the Importation Declaration fee, effectively lowering the cost of a 2-kilogram maize flour to Sh100.
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