This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Kenya's sugar imports have seen a significant surge, increasing by 70% in the first nine months of 2019. According to the Sugar Directorate, the country imported 324,055 tonnes of sugar between January and September, a substantial increase from the 190,084 tonnes imported during the same period in 2018.
The rise in imports is attributed to a local deficit and declining sugar production. Local production declined by six percent in the review period compared to last year, due to poor performance in most factories and a shortage of raw material.
The continued closure of Mumias, Kwale, and Chemelil sugar factories has had a significant impact on sugar production. In July, Nzoia and Olepito Sugar Factories did not operate, while Sony and Muhoroni crushed for only 10 and four days respectively.
As a result, the Sugar Directorate notes that inadequate sugarcane for milling has negatively affected continued operation of sugar mills, leading to a sustained decline in sugar production.
Despite the increase in imports, total sugar sales in the review period declined by seven percent, from 348,380 tonnes in 2018 to 324,311 tonnes in 2019. The total sugar closing stock held by all sugar factories at the end of September 2019 was 10,878 tonnes, down from 17,866 tonnes in September 2018.
Published on October 28, 2019
