Members of Parliament are calling for urgent intervention to revive Kenya’s struggling sugar industry, citing its potential to generate jobs and boost the economy.
The call for action came during a debate on a motion sponsored by Hon. Peter Nabulindo, who expressed deep concern over the decline of sugarcane farming in Western Kenya and the consequent increase in sugar imports.
Hon. Nabulindo highlighted the historical importance of sugarcane farming, which once significantly contributed to Kenya’s GDP and employment.
However, he lamented the industry’s sharp decline, which has led to local millers operating below capacity and an increased dependence on sugar imports, negatively impacting the country’s trade balance.
The motion calls on the National Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, to reassess sugar development policies.
It proposes that investors and millers allocate specific funds for the development of sugarcane farming, aiming to incentivize farmers to return to sugarcane production and enhance overall cane output.
“We have established factories, but we need to support our farmers to take up sugarcane farming again,” said Hon. Nabulindo. “We need to find ways to make sugarcane farming profitable for our farmers.”
Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga supported the motion by calling for increased investment in research to develop early-maturing sugarcane varieties with high sucrose content, which could improve yields for smallholder farmers. “We still use old cane varieties that take 24 months to mature. Investing in research is crucial for modernizing the sector,” he stated.
Hon. Jared Okello echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to address the dilapidated state of machinery and financial challenges faced by public millers. “Proper investment can help our country reap the benefits,” he said, stressing the importance of funding and effective management.
Hon. Geoffrey Odanga emphasized the need for effective implementation of policies to benefit both farmers and millers.
“We need to ensure these policies work. A dedicated sugar development policy should support both farmers and millers, enabling them to make a profit,” he noted.
Legislators also addressed the plight of sugarcane farmers, many of whom have abandoned their farms due to low returns.
Hon. Ruth Odinga stressed the need for financial support and incentives to encourage farmers to return to sugarcane cultivation.
Hon. Wilberforce Oundo underscored the importance of supporting farmers. “Without focusing on raw material production, these policies will not benefit the cane farmers,” he stated.
Concerns about the high cost of sugarcane production were also raised. Hon. Rahim Dawood pointed out the prohibitively high cost per acre and the long wait for returns.
“The Sugar Bill was progressive, but implementation remains a challenge,” he said.
“We cannot continue importing sugar when we have the potential to produce it locally,” asserted Hon. Jayne Kihara. “We need to protect our industries and create jobs for our people.”
Hon. Adan Keynan called for the implementation of existing policies, support for farmers, and revitalization of public sugar mills.