China comes to the rescue of drought stricken Kenyans

Millions of Kenyans across the country are facing starvation since December last year after the much anticipated long rains failed to materialize.

At the height of severe drought, basic commodities like maize floor disappeared in Kenyan shop shelves forcing some Kenyans to even invade Uganda to buy the rare commodity.

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Yesterday the cabinet secretary for devolution and planning, Mwangi Kiunjuri flagged off the first ever SGR Cargo train carrying a consignment of 155,000 bags of rice donated by China to be distributed in drought stricken areas across the country.

“On behalf of the government, I want to assure Kenyans that there will be enough maize in the Country.” The CS posted on his Facebook page.

On top of that a ship carrying 660,000 bags of Maize docked at Mombasa port to boost the country’s maize stock pile.

Another ship carrying 829,400 bags of maize is expected to dock in Mombasa by 25th June, bringing the total bags of maize imported to the country to 1,489,400.

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In addition 50 trucks each carrying 500 bags of rice left Mombasa transporting the rice to other parts of the country.

The cargo trains on SGR were initially supposed to start the first trips in January next year but the maize flour shortage prompted a change of plans to save millions of Kenyans grappling with the lack of cheap flour.

“We want to use the SGR, the RVR and road transport to ensure the maize gets to all parts of the country without delay,” Agriculture CS, Willy Bett said yesterday.

From Tuesday, 2 SGR trains ferrying 120,000 bags of maize and one RVR train carrying 20,000 bags will be released from Mombasa to Nairobi.

From Tuesday, 2 SGR trains ferrying 120,000 bags of maize and one RVR train carrying 20,000 bags to Nairobi from Mombasa.

After the flag off some Kenyans however express concern that the government ought to inspect the rice thoroughly to avoid a scenario of Kenyans consuming plastic rice from Kenya.

This is after a viral video was circulated showing what appeared to be plastic rice in the local market forcing the Kenya Bureau of statistics to test rice samples and approve these six brands fit for human consumption.

It was not lost to Kenyans too how the price of roasted maize, a favorite among Kenyans was available in the country at the same price despite the maize shortage yet it was basically the same product.