Kenya’s sugar workers demand stricter mill licensing linked to cane development 

KENYA – Sugar factory workers in Kenya’s Western region are urging the government to tie the renewal of milling licenses to the amount of sugarcane developed by millers. 

This, they argue, is essential to stabilizing the struggling sugar industry, which is plagued by raw material shortages and poaching practices. 

The Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (Kuspaw) has raised concerns about the sustainability of millers who do not prioritize sugarcane development. 

According to Patrick Mutimba, Kuspaw’s representative for Mumias Sugar, such practices hinder efforts to revitalize the sector despite the signing of the Sugar Act by President William Ruto. 

“The President means well for the sugar sector, but unless millers develop their own raw materials to sustain milling capacity, the industry will continue to face challenges,” said Mutimba.  

He also warned that the ongoing practice of “sugarcane poaching,” where millers harvest cane from farmers under contract with other factories, is exacerbating the crisis. 

Jeremiah Akhonya of West Kenya Sugar Company noted that factory closures due to cane shortages have had devastating consequences for workers and farmers.  

“Last year’s closures left many of our members in despair, with some succumbing to depression,” he said, warning that more closures could occur soon unless reforms are implemented. 

Busia Sugar raised similar concerns, claiming significant losses as contracted farmers diverted their sugarcane to competing factories.  

Meresha Achieng of the Agriculture Department called for strict action by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to close down millers who fail to develop their own cane. 

A recent meeting convened by Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia highlighted millers’ fears that cane shortages could force shutdowns early next year. 

These challenges come as the government implements the recently signed Sugar Bill 2022, which introduces reforms aimed at addressing long-standing issues in the sector. 

The law re-establishes the Kenya Sugar Board and creates the Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute to foster innovation.  

It also enforces guidelines requiring millers to operate within assigned areas and purchase cane only from growers with valid supply agreements. 

The introduction of a Sugar Development Levy under the new law aims to secure funding for these entities and other initiatives to strengthen the industry. 

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