President William Ruto addressing Members of Parliament (MPs) from Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia Counties at State House, Nairobi on June 5, 2025/PCS
President William Ruto has stated that sugarcane will no longer be regarded as a poverty crop but will instead be repositioned as a key source of employment and income for Kenyans.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Members of Parliament from Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties at State House, Nairobi.
“We are sustaining reforms in the sector to inject the much-needed professionalism, sound management and efficiency,” said the President.
On May 23, 2025, sugarcane farmers in Kenya saw an increase in earnings following the Kenya Sugar Board’s decision to raise the official cane price from Sh5,300 to Sh5,500 per tonne.
The new pricing, implemented on February 10, 2025, was based on a sugarcane payment formula intended to enhance farmer benefits.
In a directive issued to all 15 licensed millers, including recently leased state-owned factories, Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh underscored the need for compliance with the revised minimum price.
The new rate, approved by the Cane Pricing Committee, was set to take effect from May 26, 2025.
On January 20, 2025, while speaking in Kakamega, President Ruto outlined plans to position Kenya as a major sugar exporter by 2027.
He noted that strategies are being implemented to strengthen the industry, which has faced various structural challenges, including production shortfalls.
As part of the revival efforts, Ruto highlighted the government's move to write off Sh117 billion in debts, settle Sh1.7 billion in farmers’ arrears, and pay Sh650 million owed to employees.
“These efforts are beginning to yield results,” he said.
He cited a record production of 832,000 metric tons of sugar last year, adding that Kenya is on track to achieve surplus production and initiate regional exports by 2027.
The President made the comments during the launch of a Sh150 million bonus payment for sugarcane farmers at Mumias Sugar Company Limited.
The bonus will benefit farmers who have supplied cane to the Mumias Sugar factory.
President William Ruto addressing Members of Parliament (MPs) from Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia Counties at State House, Nairobi on June 5, 2025/PCS
