ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is moving forward with the strategic supply centers (tamween) project, which aims to improve Kuwait’s food security by enhancing the storage and distribution of subsidized food items. The subsidized goods, commonly referred to as “tamween” items, include essential products such as rice, milk powder, oil, and other staples, and are available exclusively to Kuwaiti citizens. In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel said the project focuses on modernizing existing supply centers, upgrading storage systems, and introducing new services, including home delivery for eligible citizens. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance access to essential food items for citizens.
Project timeline
The project began in 2023, with the Ministry of Commerce working alongside relevant authorities to allocate sites and develop initial designs. The ministry plans to complete the allocation of sites and the construction of the first supply center by 2024. The entire project will be tendered through the Ministry of Public Works by 2026, with operations expected to commence in 2027.
The Kuwaiti Cabinet reviewed the project on Tuesday, acknowledging its role in strengthening Kuwait’s food security. The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry to provide quarterly progress reports on the project’s implementation.
Current challenges
Currently, Kuwait operates 92 supply centers across six governorates, with Hawally having the highest number of 29 branches. Each center serves over 70,000 beneficiaries. However, several of the existing centers face challenges such as limited storage capacity, outdated infrastructure, and ageing equipment, which impact their efficiency. Minister Al-Ajeel discussed these challenges and emphasized the need for an overhaul of the existing centers to improve their functionality and service delivery.
Modernization and Kuwaitization
The new project aims to establish 60 modernized supply centers, featuring larger storage capacities ranging from 500 to 1,000 square meters. The new centers will offer a range of upgraded services, including a more efficient food distribution system and the addition of electronic services, such as home delivery to eligible citizens. These improvements are intended to increase the efficiency of food support services and ensure better access for citizens.
Each new center will be housed in a three-storey building, including administrative offices, expanded storage areas, and parking spaces of approximately 1,000 square meters. This design is intended to improve the operational efficiency of the centers and provide the necessary space to meet the demands of food support services.
The project will also focus on nationalizing the workforce, with employees from the Ministry of Commerce managing the operation of the centers to ensure effective service delivery.
Locations across Kuwait
Several locations for the new supply centers have already received approval. The Kuwait Municipality has approved four sites in Al-Adan, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Al-Oyoon and Al-Omariya. However, approval for the Al-Oyoon and Al-Omariya sites by the Municipal Council is still pending. Additionally, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare has approved nine locations in residential areas under construction, including Al-Mutlaa, Jaber Al-Ahmad, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Abdullah Mubarak, South Saad Al-Abdullah and South Sabah Al-Ahmad.
