The Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee has suspended the importation of sugar into the country.
Committee chair, Raymond Omollo, who is also the Interior Principal Secretary, directed border management committee chairpersons in 27 regions to enforce the directive.
“In light of the ongoing reforms within the sugar industry, it is evident that domestic sugar production is currently sufficient to meet national demand,” Omollo said.
He noted that in June and July 2024, local sugar production saw significant increases, averaging 75,500 metric tonnes and 80,500 metric tonnes per month, respectively, which exceeds local consumption by 4,000 metric tonnes.
Omollo said the continued revival of all sugar mills is expected to further enhance industry growth and bolster the economies of sugarcane-farming communities.
“To sustain this positive trajectory, it is essential to protect the industry by halting sugar imports. You are therefore directed to enforce a cessation of brown/table sugar imports at your ports of entry,” he said in the letter dated August 22 to the chairpersons.
“Additionally, you are required to collaborate within the multi-agency framework to conduct raids on illegal sugar imports.”
Omollo asked border management committee chairpersons to provide an update on the matter and submit a monthly report to the Border Management Secretariat.
