The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has reassured Kenyans that sugar prices will remain stable, despite recent production challenges that have raised concerns about supply.
In a statement on Thursday, January 22, KSB CEO Jude Chesire said the country’s sugar supply is secure, even as demand grows due to population increases, urban consumption, and higher industrial usage.
“We want to assure Kenyans that there is no reason to panic. You can continue buying sugar with confidence,” Chesire said.
According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data, national sugar production in 2025 reached 613,000 metric tonnes—meeting only 61 per cent of the estimated 1.2 million tonnes demand. This represents a 25 per cent drop from 815,000 tonnes produced in 2024.
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KSB explained that the decline was expected as the industry undergoes a major reform process. Several factors contributed to the temporary shortfall, including weather conditions, deliberate measures to safeguard future cane, and structural changes within the sector.
Chesire noted that much of the mature cane was harvested in 2024, leaving a large portion still developing in 2025. To allow cane to reach optimal maturity, seven sugar factories in the Lower and Upper Western regions were temporarily closed.
“This approach ensures higher sucrose content and protects farmers’ future earnings,” he said.
The shift of state-owned factories to private investors also impacted output. Four such factories were temporarily closed for leasing and underwent rehabilitation costing Sh12.5 billion, reducing milling capacity for about nine months. Kwale Sugar also remained non-operational in 2025.
KSB described these measures as necessary for modernising the industry and ensuring long-term production reliability.
Additionally, dry spells in late 2025 and early 2026 in key growing areas slowed cane growth, reduced tonnage per hectare, and affected factory throughput. Chesire emphasized that recovery programs are in place to minimise the effects of weather disruptions in future seasons.
Despite these challenges, sugar demand continues to rise, and stabilising supply remains a national priority. The government and industry regulators have put market stabilisation measures in place to protect consumers from artificial shortages and price spikes.
Farmers play a central role in the recovery strategy. Cane maturation schedules are being followed, and Sh1.2 billion from the Sugar Development Levy will support initiatives in 2026, including expanding cultivation areas and introducing early-maturing cane varieties from the Sugar Research Institute.
KSB said these efforts, along with mill rehabilitation, will enhance payment reliability, increase yields, and prepare the sector for higher production.
Millions of tonnes of cane are already planted, and harvesting and milling are expected to resume strongly from October to November 2026, signalling the start of a sustained recovery.
Chesire concluded, “The challenges of late 2025 and early 2026 are real but temporary. The reforms are permanent. Kenyans can be assured that sugar supply will remain stable as the industry completes its recovery.”
