- The World Food Program is reportedly the consignee.
- The MV African Merlin, which docked on Monday.
Image: FILE
The arrival at the Port of Mombasa of a ship with imported maize has triggered a massive outcry after it emerged that a gazette notice is yet to be issued.
The Star understands that the ship is carrying 200,028 bags of white maize from Singapore.
The MV African Merlin, which docked on Monday, is currently discharging at berth No. 7 at the port of Mombasa.
The World Food Program is reportedly the consignee.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria had on Monday said a legal notice for the importation of Genetically Modified Maize by millers was due this week.
However, before the State would give legal authority for the importation of maize, the Ship docked at the Mombasa Port.
Immediately, opposition leaders attacked the government claiming that the move has exposed schemes to defraud Kenyans.
Not surprising at all. The maize imports was announced when the ship was already around Mombasa port. It has always been the practice...the script is the same!https://t.co/1o4cDQEjxN
— FCPA Billow Kerrow (@BillowKerrow) November 22, 2022
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya running mate in the last presidential election Martha Karua mocked the state in a satirical Tweet on Tuesday.
Of traders who know way ahead of pronouncement https://t.co/PLuF5f0S79
— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) November 22, 2022
Raila's presidential campaign spokesperson claimed the arrival of the ship before a gazette notice was suspect.
So CS @HonMoses_Kuria announces the state will allow the importation of 10 million bags of GMO maize. In one week — even before a gazette notice is published — ships with GMO maize dock in Mombasa. Cartels in cahoots with the state at work.
— Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) November 22, 2022