Friday twenty eighth February, 2025 02:35 PM|
In a daring transfer to curb Kenya’s reliance on imported edible oils, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has outlined an bold plan to redirect billions of shillings towards native manufacturing.
The initiative, aimed toward changing palm oil imports with domestically produced options equivalent to sunflower, coconut, and canola, is anticipated to inject much-needed capital into the nation’s agricultural sector.
According to the Trade CS, Kenya at present imports edible oils price Ksh100 billion yearly, a major burden on the nationwide commerce steadiness.
Kinyanjui, in an announcement posted on X on Friday, February 28, 2025, emphasised the potential for self-sufficiency given the nation’s beneficial local weather and fertile soils.
“Kenya imports edible oils worth Ksh100 billion annually. Palm oil can be replaced with sunflower, coconut, and canola, all of which thrive in our climate,” Kinyanjui wrote.
The CS introduced plans to determine a system that may channel import funds towards supporting native farmers, affirming that the initiative is possible.
“In the coming days, we will invest in a system that redirects funds used for imports into the pockets of our farmers. It is possible,” Kinyanjui acknowledged.
The push for native options aligns with President William Ruto’s broader financial agenda, which seeks to spice up agricultural productiveness and cut back Kenya’s dependence on expensive imports.
By channelling investments into home oilseed farming and processing infrastructure, the federal government may create hundreds of jobs whereas stabilizing commodity costs.
However, challenges stay.
Critics level to the necessity for elevated farmer assist, improved provide chains, and technological developments to make sure native edible oil manufacturing meets each high quality and amount calls for.
Kenya has tried comparable methods prior to now, however logistical bottlenecks and market dynamics have slowed progress.
Still, Kinyanjui stays optimistic.
“With our favourable climate, fertile soils, and hardworking population, we have a huge opportunity to create jobs and improve livelihoods. It is our responsibility to make it work,” he mentioned.