Thousands of workers in the sugar milling sector in Western Kenya are facing tough times after the government imposed a three-month suspension of milling operations in both the upper and lower Western sugarcane zones.
In a letter addressed to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Acting Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire announced that the suspension was due to a shortage of mature sugarcane.
“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.
According to Chesire, sugarcane farmers have been incurring losses due to low yields linked to the premature harvesting of cane.
“Consequently, sugarcane farmers are incurring losses due to lower cane yields associated with immature cane harvesting,” he noted.
The board will conduct a sugarcane availability survey during the suspension period.
“In the intervening period, the Board shall, within two months, undertake a Cane Availability Survey to inform the milling capacity of each factory upon the resumption of operations. All millers should aggressively develop cane to ensure an adequate supply of raw material in the future,” the letter added.
Immature sugarcane has been attributed to erratic weather patterns, delayed planting cycles, and increased competition for cane among millers. Farmers in the region have expressed disappointment, as sugarcane is their primary source of income.
The suspension takes effect on July 14. Affected facilities include Nzoia Sugar, Busia Sugar Industry, West Kenya Naitiri Unit, Butali Sugar Mills, Mumias Sugar, and West Kenya Olepito Unit. Local economies in towns such as Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega are also expected to feel the impact.
– By Anthony Mwangi
