EAGC alongside the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Cereal Millers Association (CMA) have called upon the government to exempt imported wheat and maize from import duty and other charges.  In addition, the joint lobby groups have urged the government to form an inter-ministerial committee to fast-track solutions to mitigate the crisis facing the two important food commodities in the country.

In April the price of maize marked a 47 percent increase, going up to Kshs. 4, 200 from Kshs, 2,850 in 2021 due to drought and reduced maize imports. While on the other hand, the price of wheat rose to Kshs. 6,000 from KShs 3,800 per 90 kg bag 2021. This has affected the retail prices, with a 2kg packet of maize flour currently retailing at an average of Kshs. 165, and that of wheat retailing at an average of Kshs195. This rise in prices is set to continue, piling pressure on the cost of living.

In a joint statement, the lobby group has warned that the shortage will push up the prices of these commodities and subsequently, worsen inflation, and even warned of an impending food crisis should the ongoing shortage of maize and wheat in the country persist.