Wetang’ula: Kenya government committed to reviving sugar industry
Kenya is advancing efforts to revive its sugar industry, with Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and President William Ruto reaffirming commitment to reforms. Measures include timely farmer payments, professional management, and a revised cane price of Sh5,500 per tonne. The government aims to transform sugarcane from a symbol of hardship into a key driver of rural prosperity and economic growth.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has affirmed that the government is firmly on course to reviving Kenya’s struggling sugar industry.
Wetang’ula emphasised the sector’s importance, noting that sugar factories represent the hopes and livelihoods of thousands of hardworking farmers across the country.
He made the remarks following a consultative meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where the President hosted Members of Parliament from key sugar-growing regions.
“The message was clear: sugarcane must no longer be a symbol of hardship; it must be a source of prosperity,” Wetang’ula said.
“I wish to assure our farmers and stakeholders—from Bungoma to Busia, from Kakamega to Nyanza and beyond—that these reforms are for all of you.”
He stressed that the government is determined to restore public confidence in sugar factories by ensuring timely payments to farmers and introducing professionalism in the management of the sector.
“‘Sweetening Kenya’ is more than a slogan,” he added.
“It is a national call to uplift our rural economies and empower the very people who feed this nation.”
As part of the ongoing efforts, sugarcane farmers recently received a boost after the Kenya Sugar Board increased the official cane price from Sh5,300 to Sh5,500 per tonne.
The adjustment, which took effect on May 26, 2025, follows a revised payment formula aimed at improving farmer earnings.
The new pricing model had been approved earlier on February 10, 2025.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh issued a directive to all 15 licensed millers, including the recently leased state-owned factories, to comply with the revised minimum price.
Speaking on Thursday, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the sugar industry into a viable economic driver.
“Sugarcane will no longer be seen as a poverty crop,” the President said.
“We are sustaining reforms in the sector to inject the much-needed professionalism, sound management, and efficiency.”
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