The Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has resolved to engage the ministry officials and other key stakeholders in the edible oils sub-sector to address the escalating prices of cooking oil.
Speaking on May 29, Aldai Member of Parliament Marianne Kitany, the Committee’s Vice Chairperson, announced the decision during a meeting with a group of edible oil manufacturers in the country.
“As a committee, we have established that there is a serious disconnect between the manufacturers of edible oil and the government. We will convene a roundtable with Ministry officials and other stakeholders to find ways of reducing the cost of production of cooking oil,” Kitany said.
The manufacturers led by Vimal Shah, the Chairman of Bidco Africa Ltd in their submission to the committee warned that the price of this essential commodity is expected to rise further due to the high cost of production.
Shah emphasized the lack of government incentives for local manufacturers, noting that the state has only focused on giving incentives to international firms.
He observed that this imbalance forces local manufacturers to pass the high production costs onto consumers.
He was accompanied by Nitin Shah, CEO of KAPA Oil, Rajan Malde, Director of Pwani Oil Products, and Fathi Saeed, Managing Director of Golden Africa Kenya, all of whom also raised concerns about the high taxes contributing to the increased costs of production.
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Support to Cooking Oil Manufacturers
Kitany acknowledged the concerns raised by the manufacturers and stressed the importance of supporting home-grown industries within the multi-billion-shilling sector.
“We have noted with concern the plight of the manufacturers of edible oil in the country, a key sub-sector that employs over 10,000 people,” stated the Committee Vice-chairperson.
The Committee’s initiative aims to foster dialogue and develop strategies to alleviate the financial burdens faced by local manufacturers, ultimately benefiting consumers by stabilizing the prices of cooking oil.
Also Read: Tomatoes, Cooking Gas & Other Commodities Whose Prices Hiked in April
Wetang’ula Tells Kenyans to Be Hopeful
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans to remain hopeful despite the setbacks the country is currently facing.
Speaking on the same day, Wetangula said no challenge is unsolvable noting that the state has already put in place measures that will improve the cost of living and lead to an end to some of the frustrations and deprivations that Kenyans are facing.
“Each day brings the promise of a better tomorrow, with today’s actions shaping the future,” said the Speaker.
“I urge my fellow Kenyans to hold fast to hope, even in the face of frustration. Our setbacks should not hinder our progress.”
Wetang’ula was speaking during the official opening of the National Conversation at Safari Park Hotel which preceded the National Prayer Breakfast.
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