Govt forces mill shutdown to fix cane crisis, pledges farmers higher pay

The Kenya Sugar Board has ordered a three-month suspension of milling operations in the western region starting Friday, July 11, aiming to address a deepening sugarcane shortage while promising farmers higher income once factories reopen.

Chief Executive Jude Chesire said the government move, which affects major millers including Nzoia Sugar Company, Butali Sugar Mills, West Kenya Sugar Company, Mumias Sugar and Busia Sugar, will allow immature cane to fully develop in the fields.

“This will put more money directly into farmers’ pockets,” said Chesire.

The shutdown could raise yields by up to four tonnes per acre and improve sucrose content, potentially giving farmers more than Sh 72,000 per acre when harvesting resumes.

Chesire noted poor planning and uncoordinated harvesting of immature cane have led to the current crisis.

He announced a nationwide cane census will take place over the next two months to assess field readiness before factories reopen.

Millers are expected to use the downtime to create stronger cane development plans to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and prevent future shortages.

The suspension is part of wider reforms to revive the struggling sugar sector, alongside the newly introduced 4 per cent Sugar Development Levy that took effect on Monday, July 1.

The levy aims to raise over Sh 500 billion for road rehabilitation in sugar zones, factory modernisation, research and farmer support.

With Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa sugar import safeguards in place until November 2025, Chesire observed that the shutdown will help both farmers and millers in the long term.

“This is a win-win: better returns for farmers and greater efficiency for millers,” added Chesire