Nairobi: The Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, has announced an embargo on sugar imports by local sugar milling companies, declaring that Kenya has attained sufficient production capacity to satisfy the country’s domestic sugar demand. The move is aimed at protecting local farmers, strengthening the sugar industry, and reducing reliance on imported sugar.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ronoh addressed the audience during the official opening of the 10th Campus of the Kenya School of Agriculture at the former Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County. He highlighted that Kenya’s sugar sector has recorded remarkable growth, with monthly production rising from about 40,000 metric tonnes to more than 80,000 metric tonnes. This increase is a testament to the success of reforms undertaken by the government and the commitment among farmers to expand sugarcane production.
Dr. Ronoh emphasized the need to protect farmers and ensure they benefit from their hard work. He stated that with Kenya’s current capacity to produce enough sugar for its people, there is no justification for continued importation by sugar factories while local cane remains unharvested. The Principal Secretary also warned millers against neglecting locally grown sugarcane, urging them to harvest cane from Kenyan farmers before considering any imports.
Further, he reminded millers of the legal requirement for farmers to receive payment within five days after delivering their sugarcane, stressing that delayed payments discourage production and undermine the government’s efforts to revive the sector. Dr. Ronoh called for compliance with the law to ensure timely payments, restore farmers’ confidence, increase production, and secure the future of the sugar industry.
In addition, Dr. Ronoh encouraged farmers to adopt climate-smart and modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and build resilience against climate change. He underscored the importance of mechanization, improved farming practices, and the adoption of new technologies in increasing yields, improving household incomes, and guaranteeing food security across the country.
He praised the strong partnership between the National and County governments in implementing agricultural programs, describing it as a key driver of agricultural transformation and industrialization. Investments in agricultural training institutions, he noted, will equip farmers and extension officers with practical skills needed to modernize the sector.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the handover of the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre to the Kenya School of Agriculture, calling it a landmark achievement that will strengthen agricultural education and innovation in the region. He highlighted the importance of investing in knowledge, innovation, and human capital to transform agriculture into a competitive and sustainable enterprise.
The Governor emphasized that the partnership between the County and National Governments will expand access to accredited training in agribusiness, horticulture, livestock management, and dairy production. This collaboration aims to create opportunities for farmers, extension officers, and young agripreneurs to acquire practical skills that will enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
The opening of the Kenya School of Agriculture’s 10th Campus is expected to boost agricultural research, innovation, and farmer training in the Lake Region, while supporting the government’s broader agenda of achieving food security, creating employment, and promoting value addition in the agricultural sector.
