Kenyans Told To Replace Staple Food Amid Drought
Kenyans have been asked to seek alternatives to maize as the country experiences a shortage of the staple food following a prolonged drought.
High prices for maize flour amid a cost-of-living crisis is at the centre of opposition protests that started on Monday.
Agriculture Minister Mithika Linturi told lawmakers on Wednesday that a shortage in the world market was making it difficult for the government to purchase the grain.
“I therefore urge Kenyans to embrace rice, potatoes and other food substitutes. We have already brought tonnes of rice and we are bringing more next week,” Mr Linturi said.
He was optimistic that the price of maize flour will reduce in the next 10 days when a ship carrying tonnes of maize and rice will dock in the country.
A bag of 90kg of maize is currently selling at 5,600 Kenyan shillings ($43; £35) but will likely drop significantly when the imports arrive, local outlets report.
