President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered an immediate drop in the price of maize flour in the country.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, the President said that a 2kg packet of maize flour will retail at Ksh200 until further directed otherwise.
"Maize flour shall retail across the territory of the entire Republic of Kenya at Ksh100 down from Ksh205 for a 2kg packet until otherwise directed," the President said.
President Kenyatta said that the move was made by the government to cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living.
"This programme of a subsidy of approximately Sh105 per 2kg pack of maize meal is meant to lower the cost of living for vulnerable households as we look for a sustainable solution to the recurrent rising prices of unga every election," President Kenyatta said.
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He further said that he noted with regret and sadness the impact the rising cost of maize flour had had on Kenyans.
"I note with regret and sadness the impact that it has had for a 2kg packet of maize meal to remain out of reach of many as it currently retails at approximately Sh205," President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State further suspended the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL) that was being imposed on imported maize.
The president's announcement came after he brokered a deal with maize millers as he asked them to work together in cushioning the vulnerable in the society.
President Kenyatta further urged the political class to exercise civic responsibility saying that it was shocking that the misery of Kenyans was being politicized.
"It is so unfortunate and shocking, that we have the audacity to politicize the misery of the most vulnerable in our society. It is even more distasteful for us to seek political gain and make political capital out of the suffering of the vulnerable," the president said.
