Kenya suspends sugar milling in Western regions for three months 

KENYA – The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has announced a three-month suspension of sugar milling operations in the Lower and Upper Western sugarcane catchment regions, beginning July 14, 2025.  

The decision follows an acute shortage of mature cane and is aimed at stabilising the sugar industry and protecting farmers from further losses. 

In a press statement, KSB Acting Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire said the move comes after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.  

He noted that the lack of adequate cane development has led to widespread harvesting of immature cane, causing low yields and economic strain on farmers. 

“This is due to inadequate cane development to match milling capacity. This has led to harvesting and subsequent milling of immature cane,” Chesire stated. “Farmers are incurring losses due to lower cane yields associated with immature cane harvesting.” 

The shutdown will affect the Lower Western region—comprising Mumias, Busia, and Siaya counties—and the Upper Western catchment areas of Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Northern Nandi counties. These regions are central to Kenya’s sugarcane production and collectively form a significant portion of the country’s sugar belt. 

The decision was finalised during a stakeholder meeting held on July 4, 2025, in Kisumu.  

During the three-month shutdown, KSB will undertake a Cane Availability Survey over a two-month period to assess mature cane stocks and establish sustainable milling capacities for each factory before operations resume. 

“All millers should aggressively develop cane to ensure an adequate supply of raw material in future,” Chesire urged, highlighting the need for long-term planning to prevent future industry disruptions. 

The suspension is expected to cause a temporary dip in sugar production, but KSB maintains that it is essential for the long-term health of the industry.  

Officials also cited reports of factories purchasing immature cane at low prices, which has disadvantaged farmers. By enforcing a uniform milling break, the board aims to curb exploitative practices and ensure that farmers reap the full value of their crops. 

Earlier this month, Kenya introduced a 4% Sugar Development Levy on all sugar produced and imported.  

Domestic sugar is now subject to a 4% levy based on the ex-factory price, while imported sugar is charged 4% on its cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.  

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will oversee the collection and administration of the new levy. 

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