{UAH} Pojim/WBK: EDITORIAL: Explain the deals with Uganda to the public - Editorials | Daily Nation

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Sugar-Deal-Uganda-Kenya-Uhuru-Kenyatta-Raila-Odinga/-/440804/2830102/-/ksrmfy/-/index.html

EDITORIAL: Explain the deals with Uganda to the public - Editorials

The exchanges between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga over the deals struck between Kenya and Uganda at the weekend underscores the essence of open communication on matters that affect the public.

Kenya apparently was allowed to export milk and beef products to Uganda, and in turn accept import of Ugandan sugar as part of attempts to balance trade between the two neighbouring countries.

However, Mr Odinga took exception to the deals, terming them secretive, and argued that Kenya stood to lose particularly in regard to sugar imports that threatened to undermine local production.

Part of the unstated grouse was that some of the deals are seen to favour the commercial interests of some senior politicians, and therefore raise questions as to whether personal, rather than national, interests were at play.

Matters were not made any better by the bungled communication from the government. Whereas President Kenyatta declared that nothing was wrong with importing sugar from Uganda. rather than Brazil, to plug shortfalls, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed appeared to deny that any deal was struck.

Such dichotomy adds fuel to the suspicion and depicts the government in bad light. Importing sugar to seal the deficit and from a neighbour is not sinister in any way.

However, at a time when local sugar production is struggling, there might be grounds for suspicion, especially when details are not forthcoming.

There is also fear that the deal would allow Kenya's infamous sugar barons to bring in sugar from elsewhere and sell it as Ugandan product. The government should explain clearly the terms of the deal to assure the public there was nothing sinister.

EDITORIAL: Explain the deals with Uganda to the public - Editorials | Daily Nation

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Sugar-Deal-Uganda-Kenya-Uhuru-Kenyatta-Raila-Odinga/-/440804/2830102/-/ksrmfy/-/index.html

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