Govt Suspends Sugar Milling in Western Kenya Over Cane Shortage
Thousands of workers in Kenya’s sugar industry are staring at tough economic times following a government directive suspending milling operations in both the Lower and Upper Western sugarcane zones for three months starting July 14.
Acting Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire, in a letter to affected zones, cited an acute shortage of mature sugarcane as the main reason for the suspension. He noted that inadequate cane development has led to the harvesting and milling of immature cane, which has resulted in significant losses for farmers.
“This is due to inadequate cane development to match milling capacity. This has led to harvesting and subsequent milling of immature cane,” the letter stated.
The suspension affects several major millers including Nzoia Sugar, Busia Sugar Industry, West Kenya Naitiri Unit, Butali Sugar Mills, Mumias Sugar, and West Kenya Olepito Unit.
The move comes after a stakeholder meeting held on July 4 at the Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, where a consensus was reached to halt operations temporarily to allow the cane to mature adequately.
During the suspension period, Chesire said the Kenya Sugar Board will conduct a nationwide Cane Availability Survey within two months to assess the milling capacity of each factory ahead of reopening. Millers have also been urged to aggressively engage in cane development initiatives.
“All millers should aggressively develop cane to ensure an adequate supply of raw material in the future,” Chesire noted.
The shortage of mature cane has been blamed on erratic weather conditions, delayed planting, and increased competition among millers for the limited crop. These factors have destabilized the sugarcane supply chain and contributed to the crisis.
The announcement has thrown cane farmers into uncertainty, with many expressing fears over their livelihoods. Sugarcane is the primary source of income for thousands of households in regions like Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega.
The suspension also threatens to disrupt local economies reliant on the sugar industry. From factory workers and transporters to small-scale vendors and service providers, the ripple effect is expected to be widespread.
Stakeholders are calling for coordinated efforts to stabilize the sugar sector, including investment in irrigation, better planting cycles, and policy reforms to support sustainable cane production.
As the country awaits the findings of the Cane Availability Survey, communities in Western Kenya brace for a difficult few months ahead.
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Govt Suspends Sugar Milling in Western Kenya Over Cane Shortage