The proposed dam is expected to support irrigation at Galana-Kulalu as Kenya seeks to increase domestic sugar production and reduce reliance on imports.
Higher cane supplies and revived sugar mills have pushed Kenya’s sugar production higher, while increased domestic output has reduced reliance on imports and eased prices.
Butali Sugar says controlled import schedules and tighter repackaging rules are needed as Kenya seeks to balance domestic production with market demand.
Kenya is considering quota arrangements and export diversification with Comesa members as it seeks to protect local sugar producers from cheaper regional imports.
Kenya is tightening sugar sector oversight through faster farmer payments, mobile weighbridges, quality-based cane testing and expanded domestic sugar refining.