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East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament (MP) Winnie Odinga supported President William Ruto’s decision to lift an earlier ban imposed on Ugandan dairy products by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.
In an Interview with Uganda’s NBS Television, Winnie indicated that since Kenya and Uganda were both members of the East Africa Community, there was a need for increased integration.
“A poor person in Uganda and a poor farmer in Kenya are no different. We need to increase the living standards for everyone from this region,” Winnie told NBS Television.
EALA MP Winnie Odinga during an interview with NBS Television on Sunday, February 19.
NBS Television
According to the EALA MP, uplifting standards needs a collaborative approach, and lifting the ban was a key step toward achieving this collaboration.
She further indicated that Uhuru’s decision in 2021, created a rift between Kenya and Uganda.
The MP argued that from the Kenyan farmers’ perspective, the production cost is relatively high, and finished products cannot compete with imported goods.
“However, I also see it from this side. We are meant to cooperate and trade goods, and therefore there shouldn’t be any of these restrictions,” she revealed.
Winnie indicated that the conversation should focus on economies of scale instead of bans and restrictions.
“What you can do in Uganda doesn’t have to be replicated in Kenya. Recently, there has been an egg shortage in the United States, and therefore we should be collaborating to sell all these eggs to the US,” she argued.
Winnie’s father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, vowed never to recognise President William Ruto’s government.
Raila maintained that Ruto is illegitimately in office and has staged several rallies against the government.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta further reiterated his support for Raila, despite being pressured to recognise the current administration.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Left), Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (Centre) and Mama Idah Odinga (Right) during the burial of Professor George Magoha on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
Twitter/Kenyans.co.ke
Meanwhile, Trade CS, Moses Kuria, had hinted at reviewing importation of Ugandan eggs. Kuria touched on the issues while being vetted for the post in October 2022.
“If Uganda imports one million chicks from Kenya every week, how can we (Kenya) refuse to take their eggs?” Kuria wondered.
