Sugarcane farmers applaud government ban on sugar imports 

KENYA – Kenyan sugarcane farmers and millers have welcomed the government’s decision to ban sugar imports, a move aimed at stabilizing the country’s struggling sugar sector.  

The announcement, made by the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee, follows President William Ruto’s recent tour of Kenya’s sugar-growing regions. 

Richard Ogendo, Secretary General of the Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association, expressed optimism that the ban would have a positive impact on local farmers and the economy of the lake region.  

“Sugarcane farming is a profitable venture that can significantly boost the region’s economy if imports are effectively managed,” Ogendo said.  

He added that the consistent dumping of imported sugar by cartels had driven farmers into poverty and called for continued vigilance to ensure import licenses previously issued to traders are cancelled. 

Ogendo also urged Parliament to pass the Sugar Bill 2022, which he believes would help reform and transform the sugar sector. 

West Kenya Sugar Company, one of the country’s leading millers, also voiced support of the government’s decision to encourage local production.  

George Muruli, Rai Group’s Head of External Affairs and Communications, highlighted that the move would benefit farmers by providing them with more opportunities. 

“Although we are in milling, we prioritize farmers as the primary players in the whole chain,” Muruli said.  

He also emphasized that sugar imports had negatively affected the price of locally produced sugar, undercutting domestic producers. 

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting local sugar production by directing border management committee chairpersons in 27 regions to enforce the ban.  

Omollo noted that domestic sugar production had recently increased, surpassing local demand in June and July.  

“To sustain this positive trajectory, it is essential to protect the industry by halting sugar imports,” Omollo stated. 

Kenya’s annual sugar consumption stands at 1.1 million metric tonnes, with an average monthly consumption of 80,000 metric tonnes.  

In a further boost to farmers, President Ruto recently announced that sugarcane farmers would start receiving bonuses from their produce.  

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