PETITIONER SEEKS TO STOP 540,000-TONNE MAIZE IMPORT DEAL FROM ZAMBIA
A petitioner has moved to the High Court seeking to stop Baita Trading’s planned importation of 540,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia, citing concerns over the deal’s legality and its potential impact on Kenyan farmers.
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A petitioner has moved to the High Court in Mombasa seeking to stop a proposed importation of 540,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia by Kenyan company Baita Trading Limited.
The petition was filed by James Mwikabi, who wants the court to issue orders preventing government agencies from facilitating, approving, clearing or releasing the maize while the case is being determined.
The case was certified as urgent on October 5, 2026, with several government agencies and officials listed among the respondents.
Mwikabi has raised questions about the legality of the arrangement, including whether Baita Trading was allocated part of the government’s maize import programme and whether the company was granted or promised special tax or tariff concessions.
The petitioner has also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the large maize shipment on Kenyan farmers and government revenue.
The 540,000-tonne deal involves Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency and Baita Trading, with the maize intended for export to Kenya.
However, the High Court has not stopped the importation. The petitioner is seeking interim orders as the court considers the case.
The legal challenge comes amid ongoing efforts to balance maize imports, food supply needs and protection of local farmers.
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Written by Anne Moses
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
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