Mexico Denies Exporting Maize to Kenya

The Mexican Government has surprisingly denied exporting 30,000 tonnes of maize to Kenya.

Through the Mexican embassy in Kenya, Mexico claimed it had no declarations on any commercial transactions with Kenya.

The maize alleged to have been from Mexico arrived at the port of Mombasa on Friday to help curb the high flour prices attributed to a huge deficit of maize.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, while speaking outside the Grain Bulk Handlers terminal, where the maize was to be received, confirmed that Holbud Limited - a United Kingdom company - 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.

Government agencies and millers have been engaged in a dispute with the millers accusing the government of selling maize to dealers and middlemen who hoard the commodity to gain more profit.

Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe remained positive that the 30,000 imported tonnes of maize would help lower the price of Unga to Sh110.

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.

Read more: Maize From Mexico Finally Arrives in Kenya