President William Ruto has announced that the importation of edible oil into the country will cease within the next five years.

Addressing the press at State House, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the economic significance of this decision, stating, “We want to reduce that by 50% in the next three years and five years to eliminate importation of edible oil into Kenya.” The move aims to save the country over a billion dollars annually spent on edible oil imports, bolstering Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves.

In his address, President Ruto outlined the government’s strategy, highlighting the promotion of local production of sunflower, granola, soya, and palm oil to achieve self-sufficiency.

He affirmed, “Once we are rolled out fully, their development in Kenya will give us the requisite amount for us to reduce and eliminate eventual importation into Kenya.”

This initiative aligns with Ruto’s broader vision of enhancing food self-reliance in Kenya. The government’s efforts include providing subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, as well as supporting farmers in cultivating essential crops.