Malaysia to set up palm oil refinery in Nairobi

By Moses Michira

Nairobi , Kenya: A Malaysian manufacturer is setting up a multi-billion-shilling palm oil refinery in Nairobi to target the fast-growing East African consumer market.

Pacific Interlink says its plant will be the largest of its kind in the region, with its products expected to compete for a chunk of the Sh80 billion edible oils segment currently controlled by Kapa, Bidco and Pwani Oil refineries.

Increased competition in the edible oils market could work in consumers’ favour, coming after authorities accused the main players of price fixing to make overly large profits.

Pacific Interlink projects that its plant will be complete early next year, employees involved in the company’s execution timelines said. The plant is expected to occupy 10 acres along Mombasa Road.