Kenya has been urged to curb its overreliance on imported edible oils by scaling up local production a strategy touted as key to strengthening food security, creating jobs, and driving economic self-reliance.

Addressing the World MSME Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on June 27, 2025, Principal Secretary for MSMEs Susan Mang’eni called for a national rethink of the country’s consumption and production patterns.

“Kenya spends over Ksh100 billion every year on imported edible oils. We must change this. Let’s grow what we consume,” she said, underscoring the need for policy and mindset shifts to embrace local alternatives.

Mang’eni’s appeal comes amid broader government efforts to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to play a leading role in transforming key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

Edible oil has emerged as a focal point, with rising imports straining the national budget while local farmers remain underutilized.

She highlighted an ongoing edible oil crops initiative that is supporting farmers across multiple counties to grow oilseed varieties such as sunflower, soybean, groundnuts, and canola particularly in regions like western and coastal Kenya.

The goal, she said, is not only to cut the import bill but also to revive traditional farming systems and boost rural incomes.

Mang’eni also noted the critical role of MSMEs in driving development globally, citing the UN resolution passed in 2017 that officially recognized June 27 as Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day.

She said MSMEs form the backbone of resilient economies and must be given the tools to thrive.

Following an executive directive in 2023, Kenya established a dedicated State Department for MSMEs to coordinate financing, training, and access to markets for small businesses.

President William Ruto, who officiated the event, echoed the PS’s remarks and reiterated his administration’s commitment to MSME-led growth.

He challenged banks to do more in supporting enterprise development, arguing that lending is primarily the domain of financial institutions not the government.

“We’ve raised public savings, but banks must now step up. Lending is your job. Support our MSMEs,” the president said.

With strong political will and increasing awareness, Kenya’s push to reduce edible oil imports is gaining ground anchored on smallholder farmers, MSMEs, and a vision of economic independence.