Mkulima today the government of Kenya through AFA has stopped the importation of maize from its trading neighbors of Tanzania and Uganda. The question is where will the maize deficit come from?

Why has Kenya blocked maize imports from Tanzania and Uganda that is the question everyone is asking.

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Maize imports

Agriculture and food authority is a state corporation under the ministry of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and corporations established through the AFA act, 2013.

The mandate of the Authority is to regulate, develop and promote scheduled crops.

Agriculture and food authority has been conducting surveillance on the safety food imports to Kenya.

Test results for maize imported from Uganda and Tanzania have revealed high levels of mycotoxins that are consistently beyond safety limits.

Why Kenya has blocked maize imports from Tanzania and Uganda
Why Kenya has blocked maize imports from Tanzania and Uganda

Mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin and fumonisins are known to be carcinogenic.

Over the years a number of acute and chronic aflatoxin-related illness cases have been recorded in Kenya including deaths.

We wish to bring to your attention that the Agriculture and Food Authority has stopped any further imports of maize into Kenya with immediate effect.

The republic of Kenya has however committed to facilitating safe trade with her partners and looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders to address the concerns.

Source: Agriculture and Food Authority Ag Director-General – Kello Harsama

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