Members of Parliament have piled pressure on the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to hasten investigations into claims that multinational corporations were unfairly sidelining sections of Kenyan truckers.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on Wednesday, July 2, directed the CAK to expedite investigations within the next few months, particularly because the issue has dragged on for years.
Committee Chairperson and Ikolomani Member of Parliament Benard Shinali told CAK Director General David Kemei during a session on Wednesday that the Authority had until September to expedite investigations.
“This investigation has taken too long without a clear outcome. We need it concluded as soon as possible,” Shinali said.
An initial inquiry was launched in 2023, following a petition from the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA).
On March 6, 2024, Chairperson Newton Wang’oo told MPs that multinational firms operating in Kenya favoured foreign logistic providers in a dynamic that left local companies at a disadvantage.
Wang’o, in his complaint, explained that multinational companies secured 90 per cent of logistics contracts, which is hurting the economy, rendering local companies broke, and may lead to a loss of jobs.
KTA further accused the companies of engaging in corruption to secure the deals, asking the Parliament to intervene and establish laws to shield local companies.
Stakeholders in the trucking sector were adamant that parliament has the power to create laws that will regulate the sector and favour local Kenyans.
In response to increased pressure from lawmakers, CAK’s Director General pledged to shorten the timeline for the investigation.
The Authority had initially aimed to expedite the probe by October 31. However, Kemei on Wednesday announced a revised deadline of September 30, citing the case's urgency and the significant public interest that has emerged in recent months.
“The Authority is committed to concluding this investigation earlier than scheduled, in line with the committee’s request and the public interest involved,” Kemei said.
