Western Kenya sugarcane stakeholders applaud government efforts to revive industry 

KENYA – Sugarcane stakeholders from Western Kenya have expressed their appreciation for the government’s initiatives aimed at reviving the struggling sugar industry.  

Led by Richard Ogendo, Secretary General of the Kenya Sugarcane Growers Associations (KESGA), the stakeholders acknowledged the various efforts by the government to stabilize and energize the sector. 

Ogendo highlighted that the government’s measures have encouraged farmers to resume cane farming, citing the settling of debts amounting to billions of shillings, the payment of farmers’ arrears, and an increase in cane payment per acre as significant achievements.  

“We want to thank the President for writing off the debt owed by the sugar firms, most of farmers’ arrears paid, and currently we are seeing exponential growth in the sector under his leadership,” he said. 

He added that the industry is back on track due to deliberate efforts to re-establish sugarcane as a key crop in the country.  

Ogendo projected that if the government continues to attract investors to private sugar mills, Kenya could see a surplus of 150,000 metric tonnes of sugar ready for export, potentially transforming Kenya from a net importer to a net exporter.  

“This means more money in farmers’ pockets,” Ogendo stated. 

Addressing the media, Ogendo also urged the President to assent to the Sugar Bill, 2022, to enable cane farmers to start reaping its benefits. He emphasized that the Bill would address many issues affecting the sugar sector.  

The Sugar Bill, 2022, proposes several reforms, including the establishment of the Kenya Sugar Board, which would specifically manage sugar affairs.  

Currently, sugar issues in the country are generalized under the Agriculture and Food Authority. The Bill is in the mediation stage after being considered by the bicameral Parliament. 

Samuel Sechere, Secretary General of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, noted that the mechanisms put in place by the government are already bearing fruit, as farmers are seeing more money in their pockets.  

He expressed confidence that the establishment of the Kenya Sugar Board would streamline operations within the sector.  

“We believe that through the sugar boards, various matters surrounding the farmers and the sector will be addressed,” Sechere said. 

However, the positive outlook is tempered by concerns from cane industry workers who have threatened to halt the leasing of state-owned factories over salary arrears amounting to Kes5.3 billion (US$41.16M).  

The workers warned that any government effort to continue the leasing process would be met with a court order suspending the exercise until they are paid.  

Out of the total amount owed, KES 600 million (US$4.66M) is to be factored into the supplementary budget, with each of the factories—Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni—receiving Kes150 million (US$1.16M).