Kenya’s Soin Sugar Factory set to resume operations 

KENYA – Sugarcane farmers in Kericho and Kisumu County borders have received a significant boost following the set revival of Soin Sugar Factory in Soliat Ward, Kericho County.  

This initiative is set to rejuvenate the local sugar industry and enhance the economic well-being of the farming community. 

Paul Chirchir, Chairman of Soin Sugar Company, announced that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.  

The factory, which ceased operations in 2014 due to outdated technology, will be equipped with new milling technology to improve efficiency.  

“We plan to start processing 1,500 tons of sugarcane per day and progressively increase to a capacity of 4,000 tons per day,” Chirchir stated. 

Chirchir revealed plans to collaborate with the Sugar Board and other stakeholders to provide farmers with the latest sugarcane varieties that mature within 10-12 months. These fast-maturing varieties, combined with training in modern farming methods, are expected to help farmers achieve better returns while reducing production costs. 

Previously, farmers incurred costs ranging from Kes800 (US$6.20) to Kes1,200 (US$9.30) per ton to transport sugarcane to distant factories such as Kibos and Muhoroni.  

The revitalized factory will serve farmers in Soin/Sigowet, Ainamoi, and Belgut constituencies, aiming to expand its catchment area further. “We aim to expand the catchment area beyond Soin/Sigowet,” Chirchir noted. 

In addition to sugar processing, the factory plans to diversify its operations into distillery, power generation, fertilizer manufacturing, and carton manufacturing, creating multiple avenues for local economic growth. 

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai announced that his administration would allocate Kes50 million (US$387,566.85) for cash crop development, including sugarcane, to be distributed freely to Kericho farmers.  

“The Soin Agriculture Research Center will develop fast-maturing, high-yielding sugarcane varieties with high sucrose content, similar to Brazilian varieties,” he said. 

Governor Mutai also revealed plans to hire 30 agricultural extension officers to educate farmers on the best sugarcane varieties, fertilizers, and practices to maximize yields and returns. Additionally, an outlet for government-subsidized fertilizer distribution will be established in Kapsorok. 

The revival of Soin Sugar Factory coincides with the planned construction of a Kes500 million (US$3.88M) industrial park in Kapsorok by the national and county governments, providing further growth opportunities for the company and the region.