The Ministry of Trade and Investment on Monday, August 21 unveiled cooking oil dispensers dubbed ‘Mama Pima’
The Mama Pima edible oil dispensing machine is aimed at lowering the cost of living and empowering people at the grassroot level.
Moreover, this edible oil dispensing machine targets people who buy cooking oil in small quantities, providing more affordable rates than the prevailing market prices.
The machines will retail at Ksh. 185,000 and sell the commodity for as low as Ksh 20.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria who unveiled the Mama Pima cooking oil vending machines noted that Kenya is spending $1 billion every year on oil.
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According to the Trade CS, the goal is for Kenya to eventually start growing palm oil to substitute imports and will partner with counties and the private sector to invest in the plantations.
“This year we can start with edible oil from Indonesia but next year we will start growing palm oil here, we are working with counties like Homa Bay, Tharaka Nithi and Lamu so that we don’t continue importing oil.”
Nonetheless, the government says the move is meant to cushion Kenyan consumers from exploitative trade practices.
“Residents will be able to pay as little as Sh20 and buy cooking oil seamlessly,” Kuria added.
Kenya Partners with Indonesia
The government of Kenya has partnered with Indonesia’s Pt Industri Nabati Lestari (INL), to deliver the cooking oil dispensing machines.
Furthermore, Indonesia is the second largest exporter of crude palm oil to Kenya after Malaysia, which is processed into various products by local manufacturers.
The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) has been allowed to import refined cooking oil duty-free and distribute it to retail outlets across the country.
KNTCT who are responsible for implementing the programme was allowed to import 150,000 tonnes of rice, 125,000 tonnes of cooking oil, 200,000 tonnes of sugar, 25,000 tonnes of wheat and 80,000 tonnes of beans duty-free for a one- year period ending January next year in a bid to stabilize commodity prices.
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CS Kuria said the launch of Mama Pima shows the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of poor citizens and helping them improve the quality of their lives.
Similarly, KNTC announced that they will sell the edible oil to vendors at a below-market price of Sh185 per litre and offer a recommended retail price of Sh210.
“KNTC will supply the vending machines with affordable edible oil, thereby lowering the cost of living for consumers,” KNTC said in a statement.
