It is necessary because Kenya has a structural deficit in maize production and only in a very good harvest year will it be self-sufficient. On top of that a significant amount of Uganda’s and Tanzania’s surplus maize went to South Sudan and South Africa, respectively. That shortfall has deepened with the recent poor rains and we will need to import sizeable quantities of maize for the rest of this year, at least. In this particular case, it is also financing a subsidy on certain quantities of maize meal, which might well be extended. The current maize shortfalls will be with us for at least the rest of the year.

Source: Daily Nation May 28, 2017 19:52 UTC