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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 39370, member: 636"]
Agriculture Secretary Mutahi Kagwe released 200,000 maize bags from government reserves to help millers. The National Strategic Grain Reserve provided the crop to prevent food shortages and control rising prices. Kagwe distributed the first batch through depots across the North and South Rift areas. Each 90-kilogram bag costs 4,250 shillings at subsidized rates from the National Cereals and Produce Board. The cheaper prices should keep maize flour affordable for ordinary Kenyans.

Millers must meet strict requirements before receiving their subsidized grain allocations from government stores. To qualify, they need incorporation certificates, tax compliance papers, and quality certificates from KEBS. Companies pay 25 percent upfront and provide milling proof before receiving full allocations. NCPB started accepting payments last Thursday, and collections increased from Monday forward. Millers collect their maize from outlets like Eldoret and Moi's Bridge across the country.

The government took action after weeks of worries about potential maize price increases. Food experts feared shortages would drive costs higher for millions of families nationwide. Officials allowed imports of 5.5 million yellow maize bags to reduce pressure on white varieties. Animal feed makers have been using white maize, which has created additional demand problems. The release aims to stabilize markets and protect consumers from expensive food.
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