The agriculture ministry has announced new sugarcane price which will see millers pay farmers Ksh 5,300 per tonne for sugarcane from the current Ksh 5,000 per tonne.
In a letter to 15 licensed sugarcane millers, the State Department for Agriculture Dr Paul Ronoh has directed the millers to ensure the new price is adopted with immediate effect.
“You are hereby requested to adhere to the new minimum cane price while making payments to the farmers on time,” said Dr Ronoh.
The new sugarcane prices have been set by the 4th Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee which was appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on January 9, 2025.
The committee held its first meeting on February 7, 2025 which determined the 6pc increase in the farm gate price.
This comes as government backs the recent reforms in the sugar sector to continue changing fortunes of farmers as well as the industry.
The sugar millers who are expected to implement the directive include Kibos Sugar, Nzoia Sugar Company, Chemelil Sugar Company, Butali Sugar Mills, Transmara Sugar Company, West Kenya Sugar Company, Muhoroni Sugar Company, South Nyanza Sugar Company, Mumias Sugar Company, Kwale International Sugar Company, Sukari Industries, Busia Sugar Industry, West Kenya Olepito Unit, West Kenya Naitiri Unit and West Valley Sugar Company.
Last month, President William Ruto announced a Ksh 150 million bonus payment to farmers supplying sugarcane to Mumias Sugar Factory.
“With a record 832,000 tonnes of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to attaining surplus production and commence regional exports by 2026, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” said the President.
The ministry further plans to increase subsidised fertiliser for sugarcane farmers from 700,000 bags last year to one million bags this year.
