The firm that imported the controversial consignment of maize that arrived in Mombasa on Thursday last week is apparently linked to a Nairobi-based billionaire Naushad Merali.
Holbud Limited, a United Kingdom company, imported 29,900 tonnes of maize from Mexico in a move that was touted as the government's plan to bring down the skyrocketing price of Unga.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, while speaking outside the Grain Bulk Handlers terminal, where the maize was to be received, confirmed that Holbud was the importer.
"I have looked at the manifest of the ship and I have been told that the importer is Holbud," stated Mr Bett.
Interestingly, the company was the same firm that was controversially awarded a Sh6 Billion tender to supply fertiliser on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture in 2013.
It can be remembered that some time back, members of the National Assembly's Committee on Agriculture demanded to see Mr Merali during investigations involving the 21,000 tonnes of fertiliser delivered by Holbud.
The Government said an additional 30,000 tonnes of maize was expected in two weeks as part of measures to reduce the price of maize flour but it is not clear who the importers of this second consignment are.
The total consignment, which is worth about Sh3 Billion, is expected to bring down runaway retail maize prices.
According to sources, the four firms that bought the maize from Holbud are Pembe Millers, Kitui Millers, Tanzanian-owned Bakhresa Grain Milling and Hydery (P) Ltd.
It is not yet clear whether Holbud Ltd was the seller, transporter, or simply the importer.
It also emerged that the journey of IVS Pinehurst - the ship ferrying the 29,990 tonnes of maize - to Mombasa started in Durban.
Tracking tools indicate that the vessel departed Port Louis, Mauritius, on April 19 at about 7am Kenyan time, heading to Durban.
Read Also: Relief as Ship from Mexico Docks with 30,000 tonnes of Maize to Reduce Shortage
