Kenya has been urged to reduce its heavy reliance on imported edible oils by boosting local production, a move seen as critical to achieving economic resilience, food security, and youth employment.

Speaking during 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 shift in mindset and policy toward self-sufficiency in edible oil production.

“Kenya imports over Ksh100 billion in edible oils annually. It’s time to shift from importation to local production. Let’s grow what we consume,” Mang’eni said.

Her remarks come as the government accelerates efforts to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take a leading role in transforming the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. One of the key focus areas is edible oil, which remains a major household necessity and a significant contributor to the national import bill.

For the first time in Kenya’s history, the government established a dedicated State Department for MSMEs through Executive Order No. 1 of 2023. The department is charged with coordinating initiatives that connect small businesses to funding, training, markets, and policy support.

She added that globally, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are recognised as the backbone of economies and vital pillars of societal development. In acknowledgement of their contribution, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/279 on April 6, 2017, designating June 27 as Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day.

It also aims to tackle the country’s rising unemployment, with many young people turning to self-employment and agribusiness to fill the formal job gap.

Mang’eni highlighted the ongoing edible oil crops project, which is supporting farmers across various counties to cultivate oilseed crops such as sunflower, groundnuts, canola, and soybean. These efforts are aimed at reducing dependency on imports and restoring traditional farming practices in regions like western and coastal Kenya.

President William Ruto, who officiated the MSME Day event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making MSMEs central to the country’s economic agenda. He also challenged financial institutions to step up and support enterprise development, stating that the responsibility of lending should not fall solely on the government.

“We have improved our public savings, but banks must come on board. It is their job to lend and fuel enterprise,” the president said.

With growing awareness and institutional backing, Kenya’s edible oil campaign is fast gaining momentum, positioning small businesses and farmers at the heart of the country’s journey toward economic self-reliance.