Lobby advocates for maize importation saying Kenyans are starving

 

Coordinator Suba Development Forum Bernard Okebe addressing residents of Gwasi during a past meeting-File Photo

By Dickson Odhiambo

November 24, 2022

Lobby advocates for maize importation saying Kenyans are starving

A LOBBY Group has asked the Government to immediately carry out the importation of maize into the country and give to Kenyans who are currently facing starvation.

Suba Development Forum says Members of Parliament who are opposed to the importation of maize whether genetically modified or not should face the reality on how many Kenyans are faced with hunger and need food.

Addressing the Residents of Mukuyu in Gwasi of Sub South Constituency, Suba Development Forum Coordinator Bernard Okebe says what should worry the Members of Parliament is why some maize farmers are hoarding the commodity at a time Kenyans need it most.

Okebe has taken issues with Members of Parliament who have castigated Cabinet Secretary for Trade Moses Kuria over his recent remarks on the Government’s intention to import maize which are Genetically modified, saying such castigations will never solved anything yet Kenyans are faced with severe hunger in some parts of the country.

“Let the Members of Parliament face the reality on importation of maize. In any case, none of the Kenyan MP go to bed without food yet there are Kenyans including children who literally go for even about two days without eating,” Okebe says.

Okebe wonders why the Members of Parliament are thinking of impeaching CS Trade Moses Kuria on the issue of maize importation.

He says the Cabinet Secretary is right and is for the interests of majority of Kenyans who are facing hunger.

 Okebe at the same time said it is high time for maize farmers from where the commodity is grown on large scale to stop hoarding it and wait for higher and exorbitant prices while Kenyans face dire starvation.

“Why should maize farmers hoard the commodity yet there is great hunger in many parts of the country? Okebe asked.

He adds that it would not be right for Kenyans to face hunger and some people would still want them to continue being in such a state.

Okebe’s sentiments comes barely a few days after various stakeholders have joined the debate on the issue of importation of 10 million bags of Genetically Modified Maize where some stakeholders have called on the Government to engage the Kenyans on the process of public participation before such a move is carried out.