Kenya imports wheat from US

More than 200,000 tonnes of wheat will be imported from the United States of America to Kenya in the next one year to meet growing demand locally as supply dwindles following Russia’s ban on exports three months ago.

A consignment of 50,000 tonnes has arrived at Mombasa port aboard Mv Stove Tradition and discharge of the grains was expected to start on Thursday.

Receiving the vessel, US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said the wheat, which was being imported on commercial terms, would boost food security.

“It will help meet local demand for wheat flour and wheat-based products. This will be a record year for US wheat exports into the East African market and highlights the importance of using ‘food trade’ to help achieve food security,” he said.

Russia, the largest exporter of wheat in the world, imposed a temporary ban of the commodity following drought in the country and wild fires that destroyed farms, sending a worldwide panic that led to wheat price increases.