After the government distributed the subsidized maize flour that is supposed to sell at Sh. 90, some traders are said to be taking advantage of the situation, inflating the cost to that of the market price for more profits.
The government has warned the retailers and issued an order under a 2011 law that allows price control of essential items. Anyone caught selling the subsidized flour at a price more than Sh.90 will be fined Sh. 1million.
“A person who contravenes the provisions of this Act commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both,” the order said.
A 90KG bag of subsidized maize flour is supposed to sell at Sh2,300 from over Sh4,000. This brings the price of 2kg packet down to Sh. 90 from the market price of Sh. 140.