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Sugar industry

Sony Sugar MD Pamela Jane Odhiambo appears before the National Assembly Trade Committee on 5th August, 2026, in Parliament. PHOTO/DAVID BOGONKO NYOKANG'I
Counties

Sugar millers defend imports, blame smuggling for industry woes

Kibos Sugar, Busia Sugar Industry Limited and Sony Sugar told MPs that Kenya needs duty-remission imports to meet industrial demand for refined sugar, arguing that limited local refining capacity makes refined sugar imports for processing a necessity. They also said smuggling through porous borders poses a bigger threat than legally imported sugar.

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From Left: West Valley Sugar Company MD Bernard Soi, and the Company Chairman Alfred Soi, appeared before the National Assembly Trade Committee on 5th August, 2026. PHOTO/DAVID BOGONKO NYOKANG'I
News

West Valley warns sugar imports are crippling local millers

The company said it has invested about Sh1.5 billion in establishing and expanding its operations. Its factory has an installed crushing capacity of 2,500 tonnes of cane per day but is currently processing an average of 2,000 tonnes daily, equivalent to about 80 per cent of its capacity.

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Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe speaking during a visit to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) facility in Loresho on January 20, 2026/HANDOUT
News

CS Kagwe pushes for funding and reforms to rescue sugar sector

Kagwe said the government has engaged widely with stakeholders and is committed to presenting the proposed changes without delay. The reforms are intended to improve governance, ensure transparency, and enhance benefits for farmers and workers alike.

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Sugar workers issue strike notice over Sh10.8 billion unpaid dues
Business

Sugar workers issue strike notice over Sh10.8 billion unpaid dues

In 2025, the government leased the four state-owned mills to private investors as part of efforts to revive the sugar industry and attract fresh capital. The reform plan included a commitment to clear salary arrears and benefits for workers before and during the transition, but unions say these commitments have not been fully honoured.

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