Stand-off brewing at Namanga border over new permit for Kenyan maize importers

Hundreds of trucks with imported maize are stuck at the Namanga border post over a new requirement imposed by Tanzanian authorities.

Tanzania now wants grain traders to get an export permit before shipping maize out of the country.

This policy shift has locked already bought stocks of grain by Kenyan millers at the border, which has led to zero supply of the grain to Kenya.

Kenyan millers say the new requirement, which was not in existence when the two countries resolved their trade dispute last year, will paralyse their operations at a time there is a dwindling maize supply chain and further increase of maize flour prices currently retailing at Ksh.200 per 2kg packet.

Grain Belt Millers Association Chairperson Kipnge’tich Mutai said over 400 trucks are stuck at the border following a standoff between the traders and the authorities.

“Although there is some maize in Tanzania, the stringent conditions for obtaining an export permit are making it hard for our members to import the grains into the country,” said Mr. Mutai.

Kenya is majorly relying on maize stocks from Tanzania to meet the rising demand for flour after the supply in the local market fizzled.

Maize shortage continues to bite in the country even after the government, through the Ministry of National Treasury, announced a waiver fee for importation of half a million tonnes of maize from non-East African Community countries.