Sugarcane farmers applaud authorities ban on sugar imports  | Meals Enterprise Africa

KENYA – Kenyan sugarcane farmers and millers have welcomed the federal government’s resolution to ban sugar imports, a transfer aimed toward stabilizing the nation’s struggling sugar sector.  

The announcement, made by the Border Management and Operations Coordination Committee, follows President William Ruto’s latest tour of Kenya’s sugar-growing areas. 

Richard Ogendo, Secretary Common of the Kenya Sugarcane Growers Affiliation, expressed optimism that the ban would have a constructive affect on native farmers and the economic system of the lake area.  

“Sugarcane farming is a worthwhile enterprise that may considerably enhance the area’s economic system if imports are successfully managed,” Ogendo mentioned.  

He added that the constant dumping of imported sugar by cartels had pushed farmers into poverty and known as for continued vigilance to make sure import licenses beforehand issued to merchants are cancelled. 

Ogendo additionally urged Parliament to cross the Sugar Invoice 2022, which he believes would assist reform and rework the sugar sector. 

West Kenya Sugar Firm, one of many nation’s main millers, additionally voiced assist of the federal government’s resolution to encourage native manufacturing.  

George Muruli, Rai Group’s Head of Exterior Affairs and Communications, highlighted that the transfer would profit farmers by offering them with extra alternatives. 

“Though we’re in milling, we prioritize farmers as the first gamers in the entire chain,” Muruli mentioned.  

He additionally emphasised that sugar imports had negatively affected the value of regionally produced sugar, undercutting home producers. 

Inside Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo bolstered the federal government’s dedication to supporting native sugar manufacturing by directing border administration committee chairpersons in 27 areas to implement the ban.  

Omollo famous that home sugar manufacturing had not too long ago elevated, surpassing native demand in June and July.  

“To maintain this constructive trajectory, it’s important to guard the business by halting sugar imports,” Omollo acknowledged. 

Kenya’s annual sugar consumption stands at 1.1 million metric tonnes, with a mean month-to-month consumption of 80,000 metric tonnes.  

In an extra enhance to farmers, President Ruto not too long ago introduced that sugarcane farmers would begin receiving bonuses from their produce.