Browsing: Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA

Bittersweet moment as war on sugar cartels intensifies in Kenya

Industry and Trade
  • According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) there are 15 sugar factories in the country.
  • Despite these investments, self-sufficiency in sugar has remained elusive over the years as consumption continues to outstrip supply.
  • The deficit is met through imports mainly from COMESA states.

President William Ruto of Kenya has declared war on sugar cartels, who have been blamed for causing a collapse of state-owned factories, as private players flourish in the country.

This, even as imports continue to dominate the market, which has over years struggled with a shortage of the sweetener, owing to a low production capacity by local millers.

Kenya’s sugar industry cartels

​​After taking power in September 2022, President Ruto promised to revive the sugar industry. Among others, he offered to investing in new and modern milling machines besides providing affordable fertilizer to farmers.

And just last week, he promised to breathe life into Mumias Sugar, …