The Government has extended the maize subsidy program, which started in May and was intended to be concluded at the end of September. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that the programme will continue until markets are adequately supplied. The extension follows persisting concerns over the performance of the 2017 main long rains season: crops were affected by erratic rainfall and Fall Armyworm infestations during the growing season, while the harvest is now delayed by heavy rains. Under the programme, a two-kilogramme packet costs KES 90 (USD 0.86) and a one-kilogramme packet KES 47 (USD 0.45). This measure follows an extension of the duty waiver on imported yellow maize from 31 August to 30 June 2018 and on imported white maize from 31 July to 30 September 2017, in an effort to boost market supplies and ease maize prices.