The Ministry of Agriculture has suspended the importation of Sugar from countries outside the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).
In a statement on Tuesday, September 10, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja said the country has been producing approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually and the amount is projected to go higher in 2024.
“Over the past four years, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories, peaking at around 800,000 metric tons in 2022. Production in 2024 is projected to surpass this amount,” read part of the statement.
CS Karanja mentioned that in 2023, the severe drought experienced in the country led to reduced sugar output and necessitated substantial imports to cover the shortfall.
He highlighted that the average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tons, with the shortfall being met through imports from COMESA and EAC countries under existing trade protocols.
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The Agriculture CS explained that drought conditions experienced in COMESA and EAC countries in 2023 forced Kenya to temporarily allow sugar imports from outside the two blocs.
“Due to similar drought conditions experienced in COMESA and EAC countries last year, Kenya temporarily allowed sugar imports from outside these regions to protect consumers from high prices,” Karanja stated.
Further, he said with improved local production leading to lower sugar prices, the import window for countries outside COMESA and EAC was not extended this year.
Karanja also pointed out that there are challenges with illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders.
“While sugar imports from these regions continue under existing trade protocols, the volumes have been lower due to unattractive low prices. Additionally, there are challenges with illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders, which security agencies are addressing,” CS Karanja added.
