Why Kenya Sugar Board Has Suspended Election of Grower Representatives

The Kenya Sugar Board has suspended the election of Grower Representatives that was scheduled for Saturday, September 5.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 2, the Election Committee said the decision follows interim conservatory orders issued by the High Court temporarily halting the election process in the Central Catchment Area. 

The committee said it had reviewed the court orders and considered their implications on the election across the five catchment areas. 

"Following the filing of Kericho Constitutional Petition No. E016 of 2026, Richard Ochieng & 2 Others v. Kenya Sugar Board and Election Committee, and the interim conservatory orders issued by the Court on 2nd September 2026, which temporarily suspended the election process in the Central Catchment Area, the Election Committee has considered the said orders on the conduct of the election across the five catchment areas," the statement read.

The Election Committee said the suspension was necessary to ensure that the electoral process complies with the court's directions and the rule of law. It said the election would remain suspended until the court changes or lifts the orders.

"In light of the need to ensure that the electoral process is undertaken in accordance with the directions of the Court and cognizant of the duty to uphold the rule of law, the Election Committee has resolved to suspend the election until such a time when the orders are set aside or varied by the court," the statement added.

The Election Committee consequently notified sugarcane growers and candidates that the September 5 election would not proceed as planned, with a new date to be announced later.

"The Committee hereby notifies all growers and candidates that the election of Grower Representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board scheduled for 5th September 2026 is hereby suspended to a later date to be communicated," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, this comes days after KSB issued a seven-day ultimatum to sugar millers to pay farmers after receiving their sugarcane. 

In a notice on Thursday, August 27, the board warned that millers who fail to meet the deadline will face sanctions, including interest charges on delayed payments.

KSB noted that the standard seven-day payment period will now be backed by clear sanctions contained in contracts between farmers and millers.

"Sugar millers will have 7 days to pay farmers after delivery of sugarcane or face penalties, including interest on delayed payments, as the Government launches a tougher enforcement regime to protect growers from exploitation and put more money into farmers' pockets," the notice read.

KSB CEO Jude Chesire also said the board will take action against weighbridge malpractices that have resulted in farmers losing substantial amounts of cane during weighing.

Chesire revealed that KSB will procure mobile weighbridges to verify cane weights and strengthen enforcement independently. 

He also announced that the government has invested in cane-testing units as the industry moves towards a payment system that considers quality and sugar content rather than relying solely on weight.

Further, KSB directed millers to establish clear cane harvesting frameworks by September 10, as the government seeks to streamline harvesting, transportation and delivery of sugar cane.

"Millers have further been directed to establish clear cane harvesting frameworks by September 10, as the Government seeks to streamline harvesting, transportation and delivery and end delays that leave mature cane deteriorating in farms," the notice added.