
Cereal Shortage Plagues Schools as Lack of Funds Threatens Closure
An acute shortage of cereals has struck Nakuru, Narok, and Nyandarua counties in the past two weeks, leading to a steep rise in prices.
The dire situation has left schools and orphanages in desperate need of maize and beans, as the prices have doubled.
This article explores the causes of the shortage, its impact on different sectors, and the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
Drought, Failed Imports, and Hoarding
The shortage of cereals can be attributed to a combination of factors.
Firstly, the recent drought has significantly affected the agricultural output in the affected counties, leading to reduced cereal production.
Additionally, the government’s failure to fulfill its promise of importing maize has exacerbated the scarcity.
Lastly, some farmers have been accused of hoarding cereals, further contributing to the shortage.
The acute cereal shortage has had a severe impact on schools and orphanages, where maize and beans are staple foods.
With prices doubling, these institutions are struggling to procure enough food to feed their students and residents.
Some public schools have even warned that they may be forced to close early due to the shortage, aggravated by the government’s failure to release capitation funds.
Healthcare facilities, such as Upendo Village in Naivasha, have also been adversely affected by the cereal shortage.
Sister Florence Muia, from Upendo Village, reported that the increased prices have made it nearly impossible to provide adequate food to their HIV patients.
The cost of a 90kg bag of beans, for example, has skyrocketed from Sh6,000 to Sh15,000 within a couple of weeks, causing immense hardship and hunger among patients.
Concerns for Free-Food Programs in Schools
Naomi Githua, chairperson of the Mirera Secondary School Parents Association, expressed concerns about the potential collapse of the free-food program targeting students from informal settlements.
The program has played a crucial role in keeping these students in class.
However, with the price of a 90kg bag of maize surging from Sh3,000 to Sh6,500, obtaining the necessary produce has become a significant challenge, endangering the continuation of the program.
Some traders predict even more challenging times ahead.
They have resorted to purchasing cereals from neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania, but the soaring fuel prices are making it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable prices for consumers.
Eskimos Kobia, Secretary-General of the National Parents Association, pointed out that the failure of the government to release capitation funds has further exacerbated the crisis.
Urgent intervention from the national government is being sought to prevent schools from closing early due to a lack of food.
“The most affected counties are Nakuru, Narok and Nyandarua, and we are asking the national government to intervene before schools close early due to lack of food,” he said.
Cereal Shortage Plagues Schools as Lack of Funds Threatens Closure