Sugar Smuggling in Kenya

A concern has been brought forward by local sugar millers in relation to the increased cases of imported sugar in the country, which has led to dropping of local sugar prices.

Recently, there have been aa number of cases concerning smuggling and dumping of sugar in the country, sugar that tends to be sold cheaply in the local markets, therefore forcing local millers to also go with the same low prices, which in turn leads to great losses on their part.

Kenya Sugar Millers Association chairman Rai Tajveer said that the increased number of sugar smuggling in the country is so worrying as it is really affecting the industry greatly. He added that the competition between the cheap sugar and the local sugar is not conducive at all.

Currently, smuggling cases have amounted to 10 especially in Isiolo, in the past six months. The recent case in the area was where 450 bags of sugar from Dubai was seized in Isiolo.

Local millers have been forces to sell the commodity at Sh.3,800 to Sh.4,000, for every 50 kilogramme of sugar, whereas for them to get the required profit, they are supposed to sell the bag of sugar at least for Sh.5,000.

These increased sugar smuggling deals might have increased since the penalties in place for such offences seem not to be that stiff. These measures need to be reviewed so that anyone found engaging in the trade to face the law.

The Kenyan boarders too need be secured well, so that such commodities are not allowed at the boarders. Advanced technological inspection services need to be installed so as to get all those who use force or any form of corruption to ensure that the sugar enters the country.

Article by Vera Shawiza.