A 2kg packet has skyrocketed since January from just below Sh120 to Sh200.
In a major move that is yet to be made public, the Ministry of Agriculture wants to bring down the price to between Sh100-Sh130.
Observers believe that this could change the raging national debate as to whether the Jubilee administration cares.
An internal memo seen by the Star on Monday that has been signed by the Agriculture PS Francis Owino shows the ministry will subsidise the cost by handing millers billions in exchange.
The subsidy, according to the memo, will be in effect for four weeks.
Acheck by the Star found Jogoo brand of maize flour at Naivas supermarket retailing at Sh210, Amaize at Sh219, Soko at Sh196, Ndovu at Sh205 and Pembe at Sh197.
At Quickmatt, a 2kg packet of Amaize was selling at Sh231, Taifa at Sh198, Pembe at Sh204, Ajab at Sh203, and Jogoo at Sh210 and Soko at Sh210.
A bag of 5kg maize flour was between Sh486 to Sh539, while a 10kg bag was going for Sh1,000.
The document shows the recommended retail price of flour should not exceed Sh100 for a 2kg packet, Sh250 for a 5kg packet and Sh490 for a 10kg packet.
“It is agreed between the parties that the Ministry of Agriculture shall deploy market surveillance teams to ensure that sifted maize flour is sold at the maximum recommended retail price stated,” the document read.
The document said the ministry shall deploy their representatives to the premises and depots of the miller to verify proof of the sale of maize flour in the market.
A miller who did not want to be named said though they [millers] are keen on easing the price, the drop may not happen soon as indicated in the document.
This is because millers had incurred costs for the stock that is already in the market hence the price change may take some time.
“We want to help consumers but we must do it right,” the miller said.
The cost of flour was expected to be reduced by Sh2 for a two-kilo packet last month after Agriculture Cabinet secretary Peter Munya suspended all levies imposed on imported maize.
The move was aimed at cushioning consumers against the high cost of flour.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
