Kuria says millers won’t need to import maize if farmers deliver 35 million bags
Trade CS Moses Kuria now says farmers are expected to harvest at least 35 million bags of maize during the upcoming harvest season, which is in two weeks.
Via Twitter on Monday, Kuria said if the target is reached, there will be no need for millers to import maize.
“It is estimated that farmers are sitting on 20 million bags of maize. Let them release it to the Millers. You can call me if no Miller is buying your maize,” Kuria said.
“It is further expected that the farmers are about to harvest 35 million bags in the next two weeks. Urgently deliver that to the Millers so they will not need to import.”
He also added that a gazette notice will be released and will open up the market to millers and anyone to import maize duty-free for six months.
“The government will not import any Maize,” he said.
Kuria aroused controversy last week by audaciously acknowledging that eating foods containing genetically modified organisms can cause death.
“Being in this country you are a candidate for death and because many things are competing for death in this country, there is nothing wrong with adding GMOs to that list,” Kuria said.
His remarks have sparked criticism from both politicians and religious leaders.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned Kuria’s sentiments as callous and regrettable. He also voiced his opposition to the plans by President William Ruto’s administration to bring in genetically modified food.
Nyeri Diocese Archbishop, Anthony Muheria termed Kuria’s sentiments as inappropriate and disrespectful.