Manufacturers want State to probe Sh10b edible oils saga

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers has added voice on to the ongoing debate around edible oils worth Sh10 billion.

The body through a letter to two ministries wants the government to act swiftly to prevent market distortion, by giving an unfair advantage to the imported edible oil.

Reports in the media indicate that released edible oil lacks the required fortification, and have raised the issue with the storage of the oil at the port for a long period of time, which may have compromised its quality.

“We ask that these allegations be urgently investigated and the required standards upheld in order to safeguard the health and safety of consumers in the country,” reads a statement from KAM.

“It is also important that the matter is dealt with swiftly to prevent market distortion, by giving an unfair advantage to the imported edible oil. There is also a need to ensure that any duties imposed on the imported oil are paid.”

The association says it has written to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Mr Peter Munya, and requested him to reconsider the decision especially in light of the health and safety concerns of all citizens.

It has also written to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr Fred Matiang’i in his capacity as Chair of the National Development Implementation Committee for the Big Four Agenda, to request for an urgent meeting on this critical issue.

“We all look forward to the swift and urgent resolution of this matter towards securing the health and safety of the nation, and to curtail similar incidences that may want to take advantage of this situation in the future.”

The Government of Kenya, through the fortification standards, requires that all edible oils imported or sold in the country be fortified with vitamin A to correct or prevent a demonstrated micronutrient deficiency.

It has been reported that the consignment in question had been held at the port from May of 2018 due to concerns raised on required standards by the Multi-Agency Task Force.

The reports have also indicated that the released edible oil lacks the required fortification, and have raised the issue with the storage of the oil at the port for a long period of time, which may have compromised its quality.