Kenya Surpasses Sugar Demand as Local Production Hits Record 84,000 Tonnes in July
Ruto attributed the country’s success to subsidised fertiliser for sugarcane farmers and additional 500,000 acres of land brought under production.
The government has achieved a historic milestone as it has ensured 17 sugar factories across the country are now operational, President William Ruto has disclosed.
He defended the move saying the 17 sugar factories in the country are at impressive production levels.
“Four new sugar factories are under construction, and in July alone domestic sugar production reached 84,000 metric tonnes,” he pointed out.
President Ruto said 84,000 metric tonnes have surpassed the national monthly production.
He made the remarks during his state of the nation address at parliament buildings in Nairobi county.
The Head of State said for the first time in recent history Kenya has been able to produce enough sugar to meet local demand.
President Ruto attributed the country’s success to subsidised fertiliser for sugarcane farmers and an additional 500,000 acres of land brought under production.
He added that this is also due to improved management of the sector which has revitalised production and brought the industry back to life.
“I just signed the new sugar law to provide further policy guidance as we seek to be a sugar exporting country,” he announced.
The Head of State told the session in his speech the government is on track to increase exports from 51,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2027.
President Ruto added the government has also raised disbursements through the CherryAdvance Fund from KSh 2.7 billion to KSh 6 billion complemented by an additional disbursement of Sh 1.5 billion by the Commodities Fund.
“On average prices at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange have risen by 25 percent in the last financial year,” he said.
The Head of State further said the country produced and exported 48,000 metric tonnes earning farmers KSh 25 billion.
The President also said additionally 320,000 bags of fertilizer have been allocated specifically for the coffee sector.
He defended the government move saying the intervention is expected to boost smallholder farmer earnings from Sh 300,000 to Sh 500,000 per acre annually by the end of 2027.
“The dairy sector remains a vital value chain with a quick turnaround impact on households and the economy,” he disclosed.
The Head of State announced the government has released Sh 3 billion to modernise the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (NKCC) Limited to ensure farmers are paid on time and maintain a high price of KSh 50 per litre.
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