Kenyans may soon face higher prices for staple foods like ugali due to a dispute over packaging materials. The Cereal Millers Association (CMA) is in a court battle with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over a ban on plastic packaging for maize and wheat flour.

• Millers argue that being forced to use expensive, heavily taxed kraft paper will increase the cost of flour, which will be passed on to consumers.
• The CMA states that NEMA banned the use of polypropylene balers (plastics) without sufficient explanation, despite previous agreements for controlled use and recycling.
• Millers are also seeking over Sh2.3 billion from the government related to a maize flour subsidy program from 2022.