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{
"id": 1180098,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1180098/?format=api",
"text_counter": 156,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Kikuyu, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah",
"speaker": null,
"content": "available in sufficient quantities to satisfy the dietary needs of individuals. The Ministry ensures that the food is free from adverse substances and is accessible in ways that are sustainable. The Government has the obligation to protect individuals’ cultural means to access their food in adequate amounts and quality, and proactively engage in activities intended to strengthen people’s access to, and utilisation of, resources to meet their food needs. The Ministry also acknowledges that responsible investment in sustainable agriculture and food systems is essential for enhancing food security and nutrition. In supporting the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food, our national food systems transformation pathway encompasses all aspects of food insecurity ranging from economic, social and environmental drivers, and involves all actors along the value chain, facilitating a conducive policy environment to fulfil our food and nutrition requirement sustainably while guaranteeing that opportunities for food and nutrition for future generations are not compromised. Hon. Speaker, on the statement of the problem, despite efforts by the Ministry, our food production has remained below our consumption needs. Consequently, imports of most of our staple food comprising of maize, wheat, rice and edible oils, have correspondingly increased in tandem with our consumption demands. Kenya is not self-sufficient in maize production with an average of four to six million bags imported annually to meet the total demand for both human consumption and animal feed production. Most of the maize is imported by the private sector and relief agencies. Currently, the national maize balance sheet projected to end in 2023 shows a surplus of about 14.8 million 90-kilogramme bags only after taking into consideration the expected long rains, the ongoing harvest and monthly consumption needs. This balance is inadequate to take us to the next significant harvest expected in August or September, 2023. With our monthly consumption of about 3.5 million bags, the surplus stocks could last about four months up to April 2023. This may seem adequate, but farmers rationally retain food stocks for household use until the next significant harvest is realised. Hence, most of the surplus stocks after January 2023 will be available mainly amongst the farming households in the North Rift Region, parts of Western Kenya and the South Rift Region. Some short rain season harvests expected in January or February in the Western and Nyanza regions will mainly support households in those regions. Consequently, maize millers, on who the non-farming population depend, may not access adequate quantities for milling and consumption respectively. As early as February 2023, there may be inadequate quantities for milling and consumption. National food availability and accessibility is determined by stock levels after production and importation, in case of production shortfalls. This implies that the country is likely to continue experiencing further acute shortages starting early March 2023. The national food situation may seem stable in most counties in the medium rainfall and high rainfall areas despite notable decline in production of maize, which is the common staple food of most households. However, the food security situation in North-Eastern, South-Eastern and Coastal ASAL regions remain precarious following four consecutive poor crop seasons. The available stocks may not flow effectively towards the deficit areas. Hence, some areas will continue to suffer acute food shortages. In 2022, the households in need of food aid increased from 2.8 million in March to 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million people currently. Hon. Speaker, as for the response, the Government, in collaboration with development stakeholders, has been undertaking normal food distribution, water trucking and enhanced school The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}