The implementers of the Maize Flour Subsidy programme for the financial year 2022/23 may have colluded to defraud the taxpayer over Ksh 7 billion.
This is according to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock following an inquiry on the programme that was expected to reduce the cost of maize flour.
In its report the Committee singled out inconsistencies in the implementation of the programme which they concluded showed no value for money spent.
While presenting the report before the house on Tuesday after auditing the process of the maize flour subsidy programme for the financial year 2022/23, the John Mutunga led Agriculture and Livestock Committee said the process was flawed and may have been used to benefit a few individuals.
They raised concerns over the payment to large scale millers at the expense of small scale millers.
According to the Committee, the programme did not achieve the intended purpose in the Presidential directive.
The one month Maize Flour Subsidy program was introduced by the previous Government between July and August and consumers were to purchase a 2-kilogramme packet of maize meal at Ksh 100 and not Ksh 210Â as per the market value.
