Nandi: Reforms being implemented by the Government in the sugarcane sector have brought renewed hope among farmers in Nandi County, positioning the crop as one of the leading agricultural enterprises in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, farmers said improved cane prices, now set at a minimum of Sh5,500 per tonne, timely payments, and increased weighing facilities had made sugarcane farming more rewarding. Sugarcane Farmers Association Chairman Paul Rono expressed that the changes had restored confidence in cane farming after years of challenges associated with poor prices, delayed payments, and difficulties in accessing weighing facilities.
Rono highlighted that improved returns had encouraged farmers to increase the acreage under sugarcane, noting that growers were now more confident that their investments would translate into meaningful income. He emphasized that timely payment had particularly transformed farmers’ attitudes towards sugarcane farming because they could plan for their families and reinvest in their farms without waiting for long periods to receive proceeds from delivered cane.
‘Farmers are happy because they can now deliver their cane and receive their money on time. This has restored confidence in sugarcane farming and encouraged many growers to increase production,’ he said. Rono added that the increasing number of weighbridges had also made it easier for farmers to deliver their cane without travelling long distances or incurring high transportation costs.
Sugarcane transporter Musa Kirui noted that the reforms had benefited other players in the value chain by creating more business opportunities for people involved in harvesting and transportation. ‘When farmers are doing well, we also benefit because there is more cane to transport. Increased production means more work for truck and tractor operators, loaders, and other workers,’ he said. Kirui urged the authorities to continue expanding weighing facilities and improve roads linking farms to collection centres to reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses.
Agronomist Nancy Chepkemboi pointed out that the improved market conditions presented farmers with an opportunity to increase their earnings by combining better prices with proper agronomic practices. She added that the ban on sugar imports and cancellation of import licences had greatly improved the market for the sugar subsector. Chepkemboi advised farmers to plant recommended varieties, maintain proper spacing, control weeds, and observe the right harvesting period to achieve higher yields.
Farmer Willis Fwamba shared that the changes had made sugarcane one of the most reliable sources of income for his household. ‘I am happy with the direction the sector is taking. When the price is good and payment is made on time, a farmer can plan properly. I can pay school fees, meet household needs, and put some money back into the farm,’ he said. Fwamba urged the Government to sustain the reforms and ensure that farmers continued receiving fair prices for their produce.
Businessman John Mugo mentioned that the benefits of improved sugarcane earnings were being felt beyond farms, particularly in trading centres where farmers spend their income. ‘When farmers receive their money on time, businesses also become active. They buy household goods, pay for services, and invest in other enterprises. Sugarcane is therefore supporting the entire local economy,’ he said. Mugo added that increased farmer purchasing power had helped small traders remain in business and created opportunities for new enterprises.
Residents, however, called for continued Government oversight of the sector to ensure transparency in the weighing and payment of farmers. Chepkemboi also urged the Government to improve rural roads serving sugarcane-growing areas to ensure harvested cane reaches factories and collection centres efficiently. She stressed that sustained reforms, coupled with investment in agricultural extension services and improved road infrastructure, would help make sugarcane farming a dependable source of income for households in Tinderet.
