Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja revealed that throughout the past four years, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories.
Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced the suspension of sugar importation from countries outside the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).
Making the announcement through a statement on Tuesday, September 10, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja revealed that throughout the past four years, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories.
This production peaked at around 800,000 metric tons in 2022, with production in 2024 projected to surpass this amount.
Agriculture CS Andrew Karanja during a meeting with the Nation Media Group (NMG) management team at Kilimo House, Nairobi on September 9, 2024. /MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
“However, 2023 was an exceptional year marked by a severe drought at the start, which led to reduced sugar output and necessitated substantial imports to cover the shortfall,” the statement read in part.
“The average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tons, with the shortfall being met through imports from COMESA and EAC countries under existing trade protocols. These imports are currently facilitated by sugar safeguards, which are set to expire in February 2025.”
Karanja revealed that similar drought conditions experienced in COMESA and EAC countries last year led to Kenya temporarily allowing sugar imports from outside these regions to protect consumers from high prices.
However, this year, with improved local production leading to lower sugar prices, the import window for countries outside COMESA and EAC was not extended.
CS Karanja went on to reveal that the decision to halt sugar imports was due to an increase in sugar smuggling through Kenyan borders.
“While sugar imports from these regions continue under existing trade protocols, the volumes have been lower due to unattractive low prices,” Karanja further noted.
“Additionally, there are challenges with illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders, which security agencies are addressing. Kenya remains committed to adhering to the free trade protocols outlined in existing treaties.”
On September 5, Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association Secretary General Richard Ogendo welcomed the move by the government to ban sugar importation, saying the move would stabilise the sugar subsector.
The announcement by the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee followed President William Ruto’s extensive tour of Nyanza last week. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo chairs the committee.
