Sugar Milling Industry in National Spotlight

National authorities are being encouraged to adopt the management strategies utilized by successful private sugar millers, in light of ongoing efforts to rejuvenate failing State-operated sugar mills.

Malava’s representative, MP Malulu Injendi, pointed out the exceptional performance of private sugar millers like West Kenya Sugar Company and Butali Sugar Mills, both located in his constituency. The MP expressed concern about the dire situation of farmers who are unable to find markets for their ripe sugarcane due to closed factories. Injendi stressed the need for state mills to take cues from efficient private operators such as West Kenya and Butali Sugar Mills.

Private sugar producers have been praised for their prompt and competitive payments to farmers. Data from 2022 revealed that West Kenya Sugar Company disbursed Sh300 million weekly, benefiting over 2,000 farmers, which equates to an annual payout of Sh15 billion. This firm has an extensive reach, catering to farmers in ten counties, such as Kakamega, Kisumu, and West Pokot. Additionally, between 2020 and 2023, they invested a substantial Sh3 billion in sugarcane cultivation.

Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo recognized the positive intentions behind reviving sugar mills. However, he highlighted the challenge of insufficient raw materials, suggesting a dedicated fund for sugarcane cultivation for at least two years. Nabulindo stressed the importance of developing a robust supply of sugarcane before reopening mills to ensure continuous operations.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera proposed that local governors allocate funds for sugarcane growth and subsidized fertilizers in their budgets. He emphasized that the burden of sugarcane cultivation shouldn’t fall solely on struggling farmers.

Kiligoris MP Julius Sunkuli questioned the need for new mills, emphasizing that the priority should be ensuring existing mills’ optimal operation. Sunkuli and MP Julius Melly advocated for research on fast-growing sugarcane varieties, with Melly emphasizing the importance of free trade for farmers without restrictive zoning.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa echoed the call for State mills to incorporate efficient management models, inspired by successful private entities. Barasa stressed the necessity for thorough research to develop quick-maturing sugarcane varieties. By doing so, the factories would be ensured a steady supply of raw materials. He also underscored the importance of soil testing to cultivate robust sugarcane varieties.

Despite varied opinions, experts, lawmakers, and other stakeholders universally emphasized the importance of supporting farmers. This includes financial assistance, subsidizing farming inputs, research, and cane development.

Seme MP James Nyikal urged both national and county governments to collaborate in placing farmers at the heart of the sugar industry’s revitalization. He pinpointed the current emphasis on debt relief for mills, contrasting it with the lack of support for farmers, emphasizing the need to prioritize them in the value chain.