On August 5, KEBS Managing Director Bernard Njiraini’s technical adviser Martin Masibo disclosed that Kenyans were consuming maize with high aflatoxin levels.
This was asociated with maize sold from schools after the academic calendar was halted by Education CS George Magoha over the Covid-19 pandemic.
Various counties have commenced on laying strategies to curb the spread of the poisonous maize, with others initiating investigations into traders.
The County Government of Nakuru, however, indicated that it would not take action against suppliers as they did not have adequate grounds to seize the foods.
The county will still pay suppliers since no sample was tested at the Government Chemist.
On Tuesday, September 22, Nakuru Disaster Chief Officer Ann Njenga detailed that two wards out of the 55 in Nakuru County were affected. Njenga spoke while appearing before the County Assembly of Nakuru.
"It is difficult to face a supplier and inform he/she that they supplied maize which had aflatoxin and also that they were not examined by the Government Chemist," Njenga stated.
According to her, most of the food had an acceptable 10% aflatoxin level. Other bags which had 19% had already been distributed.
Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja alleged that one person died after consuming the poisonous maize.
In August 2020, KEBS detailed that it had formed a surveillance team was tasked with cracking down on the companies and individuals selling contaminated flour.
The bureau directed millers to purchase aflatoxin testing machines worth Ksh1 million as stipulated by KEBS to ensure maize is of high quality.
As Kenyans grapple with the poisonous maize, traders have warned of an increase in prices of maize flour.
The government is reportedly planning to import maize after a deficit was witnessed due to depressed short rains and hoarding by millers.
