Western Kenya Sugarcane Farmers Call for Tighter Import Controls to Protect Local Mills

Sugarcane farmers in western Kenya have urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to strengthen safeguards against sugar imports, saying increased inflows of foreign sugar are threatening the viability of local factories and reducing returns for growers.

The farmers argued that while the government has made progress in revitalising the sugar industry, local millers continue to face stiff competition from imported sugar, which they say depresses domestic prices and limits the market for locally produced sugar.

Speaking during a farmers’ meeting in the region, growers called on the government to enforce import regulations more effectively and prioritise the marketing of locally manufactured sugar before allowing additional imports into the country.

They said protecting domestic sugar factories would encourage timely cane harvesting, improve factory operations, and ensure farmers receive prompt payments for their deliveries.

Western Kenya remains the country’s main sugar-producing region, with counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Kisumu, and Homa Bay relying heavily on sugarcane farming as a source of income. Thousands of households depend on the crop, while sugar factories provide employment and support local economies through transport, trade, and other services.

Farmers noted that recent investments aimed at reviving the sugar sector could deliver greater benefits if local processors are guaranteed a stable market. They said stronger protection against unfair competition would encourage millers to increase production, invest in modern equipment, and improve efficiency across the value chain.

The appeal comes as the government continues implementing reforms intended to restore the competitiveness of Kenya’s sugar industry. These reforms include factory modernisation, improved cane development programmes, support for contract farming, and measures to enhance productivity among smallholder farmers.

Agricultural stakeholders have repeatedly argued that balancing domestic production with import requirements is essential for ensuring consumer access to sugar while safeguarding the livelihoods of local growers and processors.

Farmers also called for continued support through access to quality seed cane, affordable fertiliser, extension services, and improved transport infrastructure to increase yields and reduce production costs.

They expressed optimism that stronger policy measures protecting local factories would stimulate investment throughout the sugar value chain, improve farmer incomes, and reduce Kenya’s dependence on imported sugar over the long term.

The Ministry of Agriculture has maintained that reforms in the sugar sector are aimed at building a competitive industry capable of meeting domestic demand while creating opportunities for sustainable growth and increased incomes for sugarcane farmers.