- Over the past four years, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories.
- The average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tons.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
The government has banned the importation of sugar into the country from countries outside the East African Community (EAC) and Comesa.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja noted that the decision to temporarily allow imports from these countries last year was aimed at protecting consumers from high prices.
This is due to the drought situation in the country that hit the country and other countries within the two regional blocs, hence the low production.
“This year, with improved local production leading to lower sugar prices, the import window for countries outside Comesa and EAC was not extended,” he said in a statement dated September 9.
Over the past four years, Karanja said, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories.
In 2022, he stated, this increased to around 800,000 metric tons with a projection of the amount to surpass this year.
The average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tons.
This shortfall is met through imports from countries within the two blocs under existing trade protocols.
“These imports are currently facilitated by sugar safeguards and are set to expire in February 2025," Karanja said.
While sugar imports from these regions continue under existing trade protocols, the CS stated that the volumes have been lower due to unattractive low prices.
The CS at the same time highlighted challenges with the smuggling of the goods through porous borders, noting plans are in place to address the matter.
“Kenya remains committed to adhering to the free trade protocols outlined in existing treaties,” he said.
A week ago, the government directed concerned officers at the ports of entry to enforce the ban immediately.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the move is to allow the growth of local sugar mills.
He made the directive as the chairman of the border control and operations coordination committee.
“You are directed to enforce a cessation of brown/table sugar imports at your ports of entry,” the directive reads.
“Additionally, you are required to collaborate within the multi-agency framework to conduct raids on illegal sugar imports.