Nairobi — A Kenyan government scheme to subsidise staple maize flour has hit problems over shortages, stoking anger over high food prices ahead of a national election in August. President Uhuru Kenyatta, seeking a second five-year term, faces veteran rival Raila Odinga, who says the high food prices show Kenyatta’s government has failed poor citizens. The government unveiled a 6-billion shilling ($58.14m) maize subsidy programme last week to lower the unit cost of flour to 90 shillings, after it soared by a third to about 136 shillings during a regional drought. "We are happy they have lowered the price but getting it is the problem. This flour is like gold," said trader Joseph Ouma, speaking in a Nairobi store that limits sales to two packs of flour per customer due to high demand. In the western city of Kisumu, major retail outlets did not have maize flour, angering shoppers who had travelled from rural homes to the city to look for it. "It is sad that the government assures us th...
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