Residents from Trans Nzoia County have complained over insufficient maize flour in supermarkets and all market stalls, and have urged the government to increase the basic product in the shops and supermarkets in the County. During a spot check in several supermarkets within the County, it was evident that there were long queues in some centres as customers rushed to get flour, which wasn’t sufficiently available.
The branch manager for Khetia’s Gigamatt in Kitale, Moses Wanyonyi, said the maize flour supply to the supermarket is insufficient to cater for the customers’ demands. He said the company has decided to minimize the purchase of the commodity by allowing customers to purchase only one packet of flour. Wanyonyi urged the government to send more maize to the milling companies in order for more flour to be produced. He said the way the government is dealing with the scarcity is worrying.
Some of the customers who had turned up to purchase maize flour complained over the firm’s decision to restrict the number of packets one can purchase. “We came here to purchase flour for our consumption but we are disappointed to learn that we cannot be allowed to purchase more than one packet,” said Alex Wabuyela, a customer at the shop.
However, some residents in the rural areas in Trans Nzoia complained that they haven’t seen the flour being sold in their shops arguing that the move by the government only benefits residents residing in urban areas. They said the cost of living in rural areas is high following the increased price of a 2kg tin which costs Kshs 140.
