Senators have launched a probe into the proliferation of dairy products from neighbouring Uganda.
The lawmakers want the Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism, which will conduct the probe, to establish if the temporary ban on milk from Uganda by Kenya Dairy Board will favour Kenyan milk producers and farmers.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangw’a wants the government to state the measures to be taken to ensure comparative advantage in the production of dairy products to avoid the apparent competition between Uganda and Kenya.
He said milk from Uganda is negatively affecting the local dairy sector, especially Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Limited.
“Ascertain whether regulations have been formulated and implemented to protect Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society of Fresha milk brands, the third largest dairy cooperative in the country as well as other dairies from unfair competition from neighbouring countries,” he asked the committee.
The senator also wants the government to explain the measures that have been taken to ensure a guaranteed minimum price of milk sales in Kenya in view of existing trade agreements between Kenya and Uganda.
On May 17, dairy processors from Uganda accused the Kenya government of denying them permits to export dairy products.
Uganda Dairy Development Authority (DDA) said Kenyan authorities have reduced the number of export permits being issued to Uganda’s powdered milk.
