DP Kindiki: Government Ready To Enhance Bottom Up Agenda

by: James Nyaga 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that the government is fast tracking interventions for upscaling the production of sugar, edible oils (sunflower, canola, coconut) and for revitalization of the textile and apparel value chains.

Speaking at his Karen Residence on Monday, Kindiki said that the government is keenly focusing on reviewing on performance of the sugar, edible oils and cotton (textile and apparel) value chains across the Country.

“Out of deliberate legislative, policy and fiscal interventions between 2022 and 2024, sugar production increased from 472,000 to 832,000 metric tonnes; sugarcane farmers are being paid weekly and workers are being paid monthly,” he said.

He further added that the Bottom Up Transformation of the economy of Kenya significantly depends on improved productivity of key value chains from where majority of the people of Kenya derive their livelihoods.

“Significantly, production of edible oils and cotton (for revitalisation of the textile and apparel value chain) has increased with ongoing interventions set to create more incomes to households in these value chains,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Key government officials among them government spokesperson Government Isaac Mwaura,State house spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

The meeting comes barely three months after Senators demanded clarity on the status of investigations into the controversial Sh16.5 billion edible oils scandal, with some alleging that high-level interference is obstructing the inquiry.

Also read:Mt. Kenya Leaders Endorse Kindiki as Regional Link, Snubbing Gachagua

Addressing the Senate last year November, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute raised concerns over suspected tampering with evidence and procedural interference within the probe.

He claimed that despite ongoing investigations by both the DCI and EACC, certain KNTC employees implicated in the scandal remain in their positions, even as some employees were dismissed due to their alleged involvement.

I am reliably informed of an ongoing tampering with evidence and processes in this investigation. This is improper and continues to raise eyebrows on the retention of staff involved in the fraudulent loss of more than Sh6.5 billion at the KNTC,” Chute said.