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Maize millers have been challenged to develop flavoured Ugali as part of efforts to attract new consumers and expand into international markets.
Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukwana made the proposal during the Kenya Millers Fortification Index Awards on Saturday, October 31.
Mukwana suggested introducing strawberry and vanilla flavours to Kenya’s most popular staple food. He argued that new varieties could make Ugali appealing to consumers outside the country.
He urged manufacturers to move beyond traditional Ugali products and explore new ways of preparing and marketing the food.
Mukwana said Kenya’s growing population would require the food industry to increase production and rethink its products. He questioned how millers would feed an estimated 70 million people by 2050.
“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?” he asked.
He suggested that developing standalone Ugali varieties could help the product reach international markets. Strawberry and vanilla were among the flavours he mentioned.
Cereals Millers Association of Kenya Chairman Beju Shah welcomed the proposal. He said millers were willing to consider new ideas and develop different products.
However, Shah also called on the government to support the industry. He asked the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to maintain sufficient maize stocks for millers.
He said adequate reserves would allow manufacturers to buy maize from government depots whenever supplies became limited. Shah noted that the board currently lacked sufficient stocks.
The discussion comes amid a shortage of maize in Kenya. The government is planning to import up to 25 million 90-kilogramme bags to address the production deficit.
Kenya has also turned to Tanzania and other regional markets following poor harvests. Reduced local production has increased pressure on the country’s maize supplies.
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