Unga Prices: City Hall Officials Raid Supermarkets in Nairobi

Officers from the Nairobi County government have conducted an operation in the city in search of supermarkets that have defied ministry of Agriculture's directive to reduce unga prices.

Licensing Officer Michael Akoko led a team of security officers from Nairobi County in a raid that saw them visit supermarkets within the central business district.

Two weeks ago, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri ordered millers to lower the price of maize flour to Sh75 per 2-kilogram packet but others have disregarded the directive.

Some of the shops the officers ambushed included Tuskys Supermarket on Kenyatta Avenue, Naivas, Choppies and East Mart supermarkets.

East Mart Manager, Moses Mwangi was at pain to explain why they were selling Jogoo flour at Sh85 and Jimbi flour at Sh82 contrary to the Cabinet Secretary's directive.

“We have not reduced the price of Jogoo flour because our suppliers have not reduced the prices as directed,” Mwangi explained.

The manager also noted that the retailer had updated the prices in the systems on Thursday morning but were in the process of updating price labels on the shelves.

“Jimbi suppliers have reduced prices and we are retailing at Ksh.75 and not 82 shillings as indicated on the shelves, our head office at Industrial area reduced the price today morning,” Mwangi added.

Speaking after the raid, the Licensing Officer said some retailers had complied with the directive while others had not. He said his team will compile a report and hand it to relevant authorities to take action against those who have refused to lower the prices.

In his order on September 27th, CS Kiunjuri said traders found selling maize flour at more than Sh75 will be arrested for exploiting consumers.

Last week, President Kenyatta also warned traders against selling unga to Kenyans at higher prices. “I want to tell millers that we will take action against them because that is exploitation,” said President Uhuru.