As the public participation phase for the Sugar Act 2024 comes to a close, sugarcane farmers are calling for enhanced oversight of weighbridge operations to ensure transparency.
The farmers want the Kenya Sugar Board to involve their representatives at weighbridge sites within factories, arguing that this would guarantee equitable compensation for their freshly harvested cane.
They also demanded that the payment of bonus be enshrined in law, and engaged in a thorough review of the Sugar (General) Regulations, 2025, and the Sugar (Imports & Exports) Regulations, 2025.
A central concern for the farmers is that all weighbridges should undergo servicing, inspection and approval by county governments in consultation with the KSB.
Led by Sony Farmers Union official Argwengs Adongo, the farmers emphasised that independent oversight would be vital in addressing the long-standing issue of manipulated weights that has led to financial losses.
They advocated for the involvement of the eights and measures department in calibrating and certifying all weighbridges, which they believe would significantly improve transparency and minimise disputes over weight discrepancies.
Adongo said this initiative is designed to ensure millers do not shortchange farmers by under-weighing their cane deliveries.
These demands were presented during a public consultation organised by the KSB and attended by farmers at the Sony Sugar Company in the Awendo sugar belt.
To further reinforce credibility, the weights and measures department will be tasked with ensuring all weighbridges meet the required standards through regular calibration and certification.
KSB director in charge of regulations Samwel Kemboi emphasised that this approach aims to protect farmers from fraudulent practices, such as weight deductions and cane mismeasurement.
The consultation process sparked heated discussions, with farmers stressing that the new regulations must address long-standing issues like delayed payments and unjust deductions by millers.
As stakeholders await the harmonised draft regulations, they are eager to see how their concerns have been integrated into the final version, which will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for approval.
Kemboi said the Sugar Draft Regulations 2024 would be pivotal in transforming Kenya’s sugar industry and ensure farmers benefit. The regulations, he said, will address persistent challenges in the sector.
