The Kenyan Parliament on Wednesday passed the price control bill that seeks to give the government the power to regulate the price of essential commodities like food and energy.

The bill that was moved as private members bill was on the basis that a liberal market had negatively affected consumers with prices of commodities skyrocketing. The bill now awaits the president assent.

The simmering food prices were getting out of hand last year for many Kenyans leading for calls for price control on essential goods.

Member of Parliament, Ephrain Mathira MP Ephraim Maina brought before the house a motion that would see the government have a say in the
price of such commodities.

Critics however including the World Bank warned that the move would make Kenya a less attractive business location for potential international business investors.

Parliament was however quick enough to point out that Kenya remains a liberal economy controlled by market forces of supply and demand.