The problem with knee-jerk reactions is that they are often ineffective and costly. Take the current maize flour situation in the country for instance.
After the government and cereal millers last week organised a Press conference and announced a plan that would see households buy the staple food at Sh90 per two-kilo packet, most shoppers are this week forced to pay double the cost to enjoy their favourite meal.
There is simply no unga in most shops and supermarkets. Cereal millers blame the shortage on the ‘inadequate’ maize stock they received from Mexico a fortnight ago. They say that when the next consignment arrives this Sunday, there will be a steady supply.
Even then, there won’t be immediate reprieve since it may be a fortnight before the flour is delivered to the shops. This points to poor policy and logistical planning by the government and the millers.
The two have between them enough data to determine the quantity of maize they need to import to ensure a steady supply before the next consignment is delivered.
We expect better from them, otherwise the whole Sh6 billion subsidy programme risks turning out to be a cruel joke to most families already struggling with high cost of food and other commodities.
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