Study recommends shifting sugarcane farming to Kenyan Coast for increased yield, sweetness

KENYA – A recent study by the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority has revealed that relocating sugarcane farming from Western Kenya to the Coast could significantly enhance Kenya’s sugar production by reducing growing time, increasing yield, and improving sweetness levels. 

The study identifies approximately 50,000 acres at the Kenyan Coast suitable for sugarcane cultivation.  

Unlike Western Kenya, where sugarcane takes 18-24 months to mature, the warm and humid coastal climate enables sugarcane to mature in just 10 months. This accelerated growth cycle could help Kenya bridge its persistent sugar deficit. 

Additionally, sugarcane grown at the Coast can yield between 150-180 tonnes per hectare, more than double the current national average of 60 tonnes per hectare. The region’s fertile soil and ideal climate also produce cane with higher sucrose content, making it sweeter and potentially more competitive in the market. 

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei stated that shifting sugarcane farming to the Coast would be economically beneficial for Kenya.  

“The coastal region has large tracts of land that can support mechanized farming, reducing production costs significantly. This contrasts with Western Kenya, where population growth has fragmented land into smaller, less efficient plots,” he explained. 

The Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)’s Sugar Research Institute supports these findings, noting that coastal sugarcane can be harvested initially within 10-14 months and every 8-10 months thereafter for up to eight years. This long ratoon crop cycle further enhances productivity and profitability. 

According to the study, Tana River and Kwale counties, with their fertile loam soils, temperatures ranging from 24°C to 26.6°C, and sufficient humidity, are prime locations for sugarcane farming.  

The study proposes utilizing water from the Tana River to irrigate 40,000 hectares of sugarcane in Tana River County. 

The Tana Integrated Sugar Project, a collaboration between the government and private investors, aims to allocate 23,000 hectares for estate farming and 8,000 hectares for smallholder production in the Tana Delta. This initiative seeks to boost the region’s economic potential while addressing the national sugar deficit. 

The study coincides with the recent enactment of the Sugar Bill, signed into law by President William Ruto.  

The new legislation, set to take effect by November 21, 2024, will regulate and provide a structured framework for Kenya’s sugar industry.  

According to Jude Chesire, Acting Director of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), preparations are underway to ensure a smooth implementation of the Act, which is expected to bring stability and growth to the sector. 

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