PS Juma Mukwana Challenges Millers to Introduce Flavoured Ugali for Export Markets
The Principal Secretary for Industry, Juma Mukwana, has challenged maize millers to introduce flavoured ugali to attract new consumers and open up export markets.
Speaking during the Kenya Millers Fortification Index Awards on Saturday, October 31, Mukwana proposed strawberry and vanilla flavours, saying innovation could give Kenya’s staple food international appeal.
He challenged manufacturers to rethink traditional ugali products and develop standalone varieties that could attract consumers beyond Kenya and other traditional markets.
‘The Only Way to Cross Oceans’
Mukwana suggested that introducing flavours such as strawberry and vanilla could help ugali cross oceans and find acceptance in international markets.
He said changing consumer behaviour and a growing population were creating pressure on the food industry to rethink production and product development.
His main argument was the population surge being experienced in the country, with alternatives perceived to be a solution for better food options.
“As we navigate this landscape, we have to find out, because you are the people who are feeding; how are you going to feed 70 million in 2050? We want ugali that is standalone. Whether it’s strawberry, whether it’s vanilla, uh, maybe that is the only way you will get this ugali to cross the oceans, uh, to other places,” Mukwana stated.
Millers Welcome the Challenge
Cereals Millers Association of Kenya Chairman Beju Shah welcomed the challenge, saying industry players were ready to explore new ideas and products.
Shah said millers were prepared to embrace innovation and explore new opportunities, while calling for better government support to sustain the industry.
He urged the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to maintain adequate maize stocks, allowing millers to purchase supplies whenever shortages arise.
“So yes, we take that challenge as entrepreneurs within the industry and let’s see where it goes. National Cereals Produce Board should store enough maize so that when there is shortage we can buy from the depots and like now they don’t have,” Beju stated.
Maize Shortage Crisis
His remarks come amid a worsening maize shortage, with Kenya planning to import up to 25 million 90kg bags to bridge the production deficit.
The government is turning to Tanzania and other regional markets, following poor harvests that have reduced local production and increased pressure on maize supplies.
What This Means
While the flavoured ugali proposal has sparked conversation online, the more immediate concern for millers remains the acute maize shortage that has pushed prices up and strained supplies. The government’s import plan is expected to ease pressure on the market, but the call for innovation signals a longer-term shift in how Kenya’s food industry approaches product development.