President Ruto Highlights Success of Sugar Sector Reforms

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With a record-breaking 832,000 tonnes of sugar produced in 2024, the country is steadily moving toward self-sufficiency.

President William Ruto with some of his cabinet taking part in cutting sugarcanes in Mumias. Photo/The Star Kenya.

President William Ruto has lauded the transformative strides in Kenya’s sugar sector as the government initiated the historic issuance of bonuses to sugarcane farmers in Mumias, Kakamega County.

Speaking at the event, the president underscored the significance of the move as a testament to the success of recent reforms aimed at revitalizing the struggling industry.

“The historic issuance of bonuses to Mumias Sugar Company farmers not only validates the success of our reforms but also amplifies the sugar sector’s potential to uplift farmers and support thousands of livelihoods in our country,” said President Ruto.

Kenya’s sugar sector, once marred by mismanagement and inefficiencies, has shown remarkable progress under the current administration.

With a record-breaking 832,000 tonnes of sugar produced in 2024, the country is steadily moving toward self-sufficiency.

President Ruto announced that Kenya is poised to achieve surplus production by 2026, paving the way for regional exports and positioning sugarcane farming as a viable and rewarding venture for local farmers.

The issuance of bonuses marks a critical milestone in the government’s broader agenda to ensure equitable benefits for farmers and drive growth across the agricultural sector.

Farmers in Mumias, who have faced years of financial instability due to the collapse of Mumias Sugar Company, welcomed the bonuses as a sign of hope and recovery.

“The bonuses are not just financial support but a recognition of the resilience and hard work of our sugarcane farmers,” the president remarked. He further emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, transparent management, and innovative policies to sustain the momentum of the sector’s revival.

The government has also prioritized infrastructure and capacity-building measures to ensure sustainable growth.

Investments in irrigation, modern farming techniques, and affordable inputs aim to enhance productivity while reducing production costs.

Farmers expressed optimism about the future, with many seeing the bonuses as a crucial step toward restoring confidence in sugarcane cultivation.

“For the first time in years, we feel valued and supported. This initiative gives us hope for a better tomorrow,” said one farmer from Mumias.

As Kenya moves closer to achieving surplus production, the sugar sector is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth.

The reforms, bolstered by government support and farmer participation, offer a promising path toward sustainable development and prosperity for the nation.

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