This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Kenya Sugar Manufacturers Association (KESMA) has written to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, seeking to lift the ban on sugarcane imports. The association claims that one of its millers, Busia Sugar Industries, is facing a low supply of sugarcane, which is hindering its ability to operate at full capacity.
According to a letter dated August 3, 2020, KESMA chairman Jayanti Patel stated that the miller has requested the ban to be lifted to allow for the importation of raw cane for milling. Patel argued that the current situation of low sugarcane supply in the Busia Region is due to the low uptake of sugarcane farming in the area.
Patel further stated that lifting the ban on the importation of sugarcane from Uganda will not cause any conflict of interest, as the local supply of the crop is currently insufficient. He added that the situation is only temporary and that once enough cane has been developed and available, importation of the same will be unnecessary.
However, the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya, had previously banned the importation of brown sugar in July to tighten measures on illegal sugar imports. Munya also prohibited the importation of raw sugarcane into the country and directed the Kenya Sugar Directorate to ensure compliance with the orders.
