The Kenyan government said it will import 3 million bags of maize (90 kg per bag) to meet a major deficit expected in August this year.
Agriculture Minister William Ruto said late Saturday that the country is expected to face a looming food shortage from August when the current stocks are expected to run out, to September when the harvesting season begins.
"A majority of our population hardly affords a meal a day, "Ruto said during the annual Freedom from Hunger Walk which was organized on Saturday to raise funds aimed at buying maize to cushion deficit.
The country's annual production of maize is between 27 million and 32 million bags and consumption is 34 million. The deficit is usually met through cross-border trade.
However, the production is expected to drop this year due to the post-election violence which reduced harvests, especially in Rift Valley Province which is the country's food basket region.
The minister said the country needs to find a lasting solution to the food problem by dealing effectively with inflation, ensuring economic growth, creating jobs and reducing poverty.
Source: Xinhua
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