Kenya bans importations of maize from Tanzania and Uganda following tests that revealed high levels of toxic substances in the grains. The information was reported last week by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).

“The test results for maize imported from Uganda and Tanzania have revealed high levels of mycotoxins that are consistently beyond safety limits,” explained Kello Harsama, Head of the AFA. The official said Mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins and fumonisins, are known to be carcinogenic. Over the years, many cases of acute and chronic aflatoxin-related diseases have been recorded in Kenya, including deaths.

The decision is expected to impact not only relations between Kenya and its two partners but also trade in the East African region. Due to its low domestic production, Kenya depends on Tanzania and Uganda to meet the needs of its population. Kello Harsama reassured that Kenya remains committed to facilitating secure trade with its partners and will seek to work closely with stakeholders to address this issue.

Last September, the Kenyan authorities announced new measures to lower the cost of maize production in the country and support local producers. However, local production remains low, and a suspension of imports could push up the prices of this staple food, which is widely consumed in the country. This situation is likely to be difficult to maintain, in a tense social context aggravated by the health crisis.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou