Kenya bans maize imports from neighboring countries

Authorities in Kenya have banned maize imports from neighboring Uganda and Tanzania over safety concerns.

Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania were found to have “high levels of mycotoxins”.

AFA chief Kello Harsama said “Mycotoxins are known to be carcinogenic as over the years, a number of acute and chronic aflatoxins related illness cases have been recorded in Kenya including deaths.

Long queues of lorries loaded with maize were seen on Tanzanian side of Namanga border.

The ban could trigger a “devastating price slump” of maize in Uganda.

Ugandan Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde said she was waiting for more information before commenting.