The government has reassured Kenyans that sugar prices will remain stable despite a notable decline in local production, coming just months after the administration of President William Ruto announced a ban on sugar imports from outside regional trading blocs.
The assurance seeks to calm public concerns over potential shortages and price spikes following production challenges experienced in late 2025 and early 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 22, the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) said the country’s sugar supply remains secure even as domestic output dropped to 613,000 metric tonnes in 2025. This production level accounted for only 61 per cent of Kenya’s annual sugar demand, which stands at approximately 1.2 million metric tonnes.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the 2025 output marked a significant decline from the 815,000 metric tonnes produced in 2024.
The average retail price of sugar in the market is about 150 shillings per kilogram, based on data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Online supermarket such as Carrefour is currently selling a 1 kg loose white or brown sugar at around158 shillings including VAT
The drop has been attributed to a combination of factors, including prolonged dry weather conditions, ongoing structural reforms in the sugar industry, and strategic decisions aimed at safeguarding future cane harvests.
The KSB explained that a large proportion of mature cane was harvested in 2024, resulting in much of the remaining crop being at early or intermediate stages of development throughout 2025. As a result, seven sugar factories located in the Lower and Upper Western regions were temporarily shut down to allow cane to mature fully.
The move was intended to enhance sugar recovery rates by ensuring higher sucrose content once harvesting resumes.
In addition, the board noted that the privatisation and rehabilitation of state-owned sugar mills significantly contributed to reduced output during the period. Four factories were closed to facilitate leasing to private investors and underwent extensive renovations valued at Ksh12.5 billion.
These upgrades, which lasted close to nine months, inevitably constrained national milling capacity during the transition period.
The situation was further compounded by unfavourable weather conditions experienced in late 2025 and early 2026, which slowed cane growth and disrupted factory operations, limiting overall production levels.
However, KSB maintained that the challenges facing the sector are temporary. The board revealed that recovery programmes are already underway, including mill rehabilitation, expansion of cane-growing areas, and the introduction of early-maturing and high-yield cane varieties to boost future output.
To mitigate current supply gaps and strengthen the industry, the government has rolled out a Ksh1.2 billion Sugar Development Levy (SDL). The fund is expected to support farmers by expanding cultivation, improving productivity, and ensuring timely payments for delivered cane, thereby enhancing farmer confidence and sustainability within the sector.
KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire said the sugar industry is undergoing a structured rebuild aimed at meeting Kenya’s growing domestic demand. He assured consumers that despite the challenges experienced in recent months, sugar supply will remain stable and prices predictable as reforms take hold.
“The government and industry regulators have put in place market stabilisation measures to ensure sugar remains available, prices remain predictable, and consumers are protected from artificial shortages and speculative practices,” Chesire said. “This is even as production gradually recovers and dry conditions persist into early 2026.”
He added that millions of tonnes of cane are already planted across key sugar-growing zones, supported by millers and development programmes. Harvesting and milling activities are expected to resume strongly from October to November 2026, signalling the start of a sustained rebound in domestic sugar production.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture reiterated that the decision to impose the import ban in 2024 was based on improved local output. At the time, the government projected production of more than 800,000 metric tonnes, significantly reducing reliance on foreign sugar imports.
The ban specifically targeted sugar imports from outside the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), in a move aimed at protecting local farmers and strengthening the domestic sugar industry.
As recovery measures continue, authorities remain confident that Kenya’s sugar sector is on a path toward self-sufficiency, with long-term reforms expected to stabilise production, protect consumers, and sustain farmer livelihoods.