Kisumu: The National Government has halted all sugar imports into the country with immediate effect, citing a significant increase in local production primarily from four leased-out sugar factories in Western Kenya. This move follows an announcement by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Kipronoh Rono, who emphasized that reforms in the sugar sector have enabled Kenya to produce a surplus of sugar, eliminating the need for imports.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Rono highlighted that monthly sugar production has soared from 40,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 89,000 metric tonnes recently. This increase is largely attributed to the leasing of Chemelil, Nzoia, Muhoroni, and South Nyanza (Sony) sugar factories, allowing production to surpass the country’s monthly consumption of 82,000 metric tonnes. The Principal Secretary also indicated the potential for Kenya to begin exporting sugar in the near future.
Dr. Rono made these remarks during the handover ceremony of the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre in Seme Sub-County. The construction of the center was fully funded by the County Government of Kisumu and handed over to the National Government to bolster agricultural education and skills development. He firmly warned against illegal sugar imports and smuggling, stating that the government would not tolerate activities undermining local farmers and ongoing sugar industry reforms.
Historically, Kenya has produced approximately 550,000 to 613,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, with a national demand of around 1.1 to 1.2 million metric tonnes, resulting in a structural production deficit that required imports. However, recent reforms have shown promise in reversing this trend. Data from the Agriculture Ministry indicated a national output of approximately 613,000 metric tonnes, recovering from factory maintenance and cane maturity cycles. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported production hitting 348,143 metric tonnes in the first five months of this year.
Additionally, Dr. Rono clarified that the Chemelil Sugar Academy remains a public institution under the Ministry of Education and has not been transferred to private ownership. The academy will continue to serve students and farming communities as originally intended, amid ownership disputes with some private individuals.
The Principal Secretary also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting local rice milling in Ahero and other regions to enhance farmer incomes and create more employment opportunities within the county, as opposed to milling in neighboring Uganda.
At the same event, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o announced the handover of the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre to the Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA) due to the institution’s extensive experience in agricultural education, research, curriculum development, and professional training. He noted that this partnership symbolizes cooperative governance between County and National governments, combining county infrastructure investment with KSA’s academic leadership and technical expertise.
Prof. Nyong’o expressed that the partnership aims to equip farmers, extension officers, young agripreneurs, and agricultural professionals with nationally accredited training using modern curricula. The training center will offer specialized courses in rice production, fisheries, aquaculture, dairy farming, poultry, horticulture, indigenous vegetables, irrigation farming, and climate-smart agriculture while providing continuous professional development for extension officers.
The establishment of demonstration farms and farmer field schools at the center is expected to accelerate the adoption of improved farming technologies across Kisumu County. The presence of students, researchers, and agricultural practitioners is anticipated to stimulate the local economy through accommodation, transport, and other businesses.
The Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre’s official designation as the 10th campus of the Kenya School of Agriculture marks a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural education, innovation, and food security in the region. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, Seme Member of Parliament Dr. James Nyikal, Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, Finance County Executive Committee Member George Okong’o, among other county and national government officials.
