This archive report was first published on 3 January 2022.
As of October, Kenya had imported 201,530 tonnes of sugar, accounting for 96 percent of its allocated Comesa quota of 210,163 tonnes.
The Treasury reduced the duty-free sugar import quota from Comesa countries by a third in March, citing the need to protect local farmers and sugar processors from rogue importers.
Kenya's sugar production has been disrupted due to miller breakdowns in western Kenya, leading to a shortage of sugar supply and a 23 percent increase in the wholesale price of sugar in November.
The consumer price of sugar rose from $2.01 to $2.36 for a two-kilogramme packet, following the price hike.
Kenya's sugar deficit is estimated to be 250,000 tonnes annually, with the country producing 650,000 tonnes of sugar against a demand of 900,000 tonnes.
Two weeks ago, sugar cane farmers called for a new audit of the country's sugar deficit, citing outdated data that may facilitate higher import volumes at the expense of local producers.
