Kenya sets tough conditions as Ugandan maize ban is finally lifted

Kenya has lifted the ban on maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania five days since the crop produce was blocked from crossing the eastern neighbor’s borders over safety concerns.

Traders had been stranded for almost a week after the ban announcement that took them unawares.

Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Lawrence Angolo announced the lifting of the ban on March 10 with emphasis on trade safety.

“While we strive to give Kenya safe food by addressing the challenge in production system, we equally expect our trading partners to trade safe maize as per the East African Community (EAC) standards,” said Angolo.

Now, Kenya wants all maize importers to be registered as well as offer details of their warehouses.

Maize importers will also have to present certificates showing conformity to set aflatoxin levels.

Maize with aflatoxins exceeding 10 per cent will be rejected.

There is a requirement of certificate of origin from the counties of produce.

Moving forward, Kenya has challenged regional partner states to expedite the ratification of EAC- SGS standards on aflatoxins.