Gatundu North MP Kigo Njenga has told off opposition leader Raila Odinga over his claims that importation of sugar from Uganda will collapse the sugar industry in Kenya.
Speaking to journalists in Thika Town on Wednesday, Kigo termed Raila's claims as unfounded saying that Kenya and Uganda must trade together for the benefit of their citizens.
"There is no need of giving our sugar industry a protected monopoly when they cannot fully satisfy the demand in the market,” said Njenga.
The legislature said that Kenya is set to benefit more if sugar is imported from Uganda, a member of the East African Community, than when it is imported from other parts of the world.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also defended the move saying that the balance of trade between the two countries remains to be in favour of Kenya.
Reports indicate that Kenya requires more than 800,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually compared to what is produced by local farmers which stands at around 500,000 metric tonnes annually, thus a need to import more sugar to meet the deficit.