President William Ruto has remained silent as his promise of cheap ‘unga’ continues to be a pipe dream. Kenyans have been burdened by the surge in the cost of essential commodities over the past few weeks as leaders focuses on Financial Bill 2023.
After pledging to lower the price of maize flour to Ksh 150, there was a slight drop in the prices of select brands, signaling the beginning of new times under the young Kenya Kwanza administration. However, before Kenyans could truly benefit from affordable ‘unga’, the cost dramatically skyrocketed to a record high.
A spot check at Naivas Supermarket on June 7, 2023, revealed the following prices for 2-kilogram maize meal flour packets: Amaize at Sh 250, Pembe at Sh 227, Jogoo at Sh 235, Soko at Sh 230, Mama at Sh 220, and Raha at Sh 269.
On several occasions, President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have boasted about their efforts to lower the price from Ksh 230 during Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. However, the new prices have surpassed what Uhuru left behind, indicating the urgent need for swift measures to alleviate the plight of hungry Kenyans.
Ruto had elaborated on two methods to bring down the cost of food. The first involved importing duty-free maize, and the second focused on selling fertilizer at reduced prices after receiving donations from foreign countries. However, Ruto’s measures have yet to yield significant results, suggesting that more time may be required for their effectiveness.
Lack of progress on President Ruto’s promise of affordable maize flour has left Kenyans overburdened by the soaring cost of essential commodities, calling for immediate action to alleviate the hardship faced by Kenyans.
by: Ricardo_Magero