Kenya Faces Maize Shortage Due to Import Permit Freeze by Tanzanian Authorities

Tanzania has frozen the issuance of import permits to Kenyan traders, creating an acute shortage of maize to Kenyan millers. Tanzanian authorities have put new measures in place that require all foreign traders to register with the agricultural authority in Dar es Salam. Data from the Eastern Africa Grain Council shows Kenyan maize imports from Tanzania nearly grew five-fold in 2021 to 469,474MT from 98,000MT in 2020. Kenyan millers are currently buying a 90kg bag of maize at USD 45 in W37 of 2022. The price is expected to significantly increase in the coming week with the changes affecting the retail price of maize flour which is at a record high of USD 1.75/2kg in W37.