Church leaders from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) have expressed concern that the recent decrease in maize flour (“unga”) prices by the government is a welcome gesture but falls far short of alleviating the hardship many Kenyans continue to face. They say the reduction does not address the broader economic pressures households endure daily.
Speaking on September 25, 2025, at the 27th Ordinary Session of the Provincial Synod held at All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi, bishops led by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit warned that while the government claims the economy is stabilising, many citizens still struggle with the rising costs of food, rent, healthcare, and education.
“The reduction in flour price is welcome, but it is not enough,” Archbishop Ole Sapit said, representing the Church leadership in calling on President William Ruto’s administration to take more comprehensive action. The bishops noted that for millions of households, relief in one staple does little when other essentials remain steep.
They urged the government to go beyond symbolic measures and develop policies that tackle inflation, income insecurity, and systemic economic strain. They argued that interventions must be sustainable and holistic, not just limited to adjusting prices of individual commodities.
Church leaders also called for humility from the government, asking it to recognize the suffering of ordinary Kenyans. Some families, they said, are enduring desperation and are unable to meet even the most basic needs. Restoring dignity, the bishops argued, requires more than token gestures—it requires ensuring that households can reliably afford essentials.
Among their recommendations, the bishops advocated for subsidised staple foods, stronger social welfare systems, and investment in local agriculture to reduce dependency on imports and imported commodity price volatility. They said empowering farmers and strengthening domestic food systems would go a long way toward reducing vulnerability to global shocks.
The bishops’ remarks come at a moment when government officials maintain that Kenya’s economy is holding steady amid global challenges. But for many citizens, the reality is different: the slight drop in flour prices has done little to ease monthly pressure from fuel, energy, and housing costs. The disconnect between national economic indicators and household experiences fuels growing frustration.
While criticizing the limitations of the price drop, the bishops offered to work with government and other stakeholders. Archbishop Ole Sapit affirmed that ACK is ready to contribute to policy discussions and efforts to support vulnerable populations while protecting economic stability.
As Kenyans continue to grapple with day-to-day financial stress, the stance of the church adds a moral voice urging the government to match rhetoric with real, meaningful action. For many citizens, the price of “unga” remains symbolic of broader economic wellbeing, and though the recent reduction is acknowledged, it is clearly not sufficient in the eyes of the church.
Image: The Star
