Future of sugarcane farming in Kenya bright -Kanduyi MP

The sugar sector in Kenya is set to undergo positive revolution as farmers look forward to reap benefits from their investment.

This follows the November 1 signing into law of the Sugar Bill by President William Ruto after years of push and shove.

Kanduyi MP John Makali has hailed the move by the President saying the law was highly needed and it has come at the right time when farmers needed it the most.

In a statement seen by Mulembe News, Makali praised Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli and Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe for tirelessly pushing for the law to be enacted.

“As your representative and a son of Kanduyi where sugarcane farming is our lifeline, I can confidently say this law is what we have been fighting for.

“The reinstatement of the Kenya Sugar Board, with direct representation from our farming communities, means your voices will finally be heard at the highest level of industry governance,” the MP told his constituents who are involved in sugar cane farming.

According to the vocal legislator who is passionate about the economic transformation of Kanduyi, board has been given mandate to regulate, develop, and promote the disorganised sugar sector.

“The 4% Sugar Development Levy is not just another tax – it is an investment in our future. With 15% allocated to factory rehabilitation, our struggling mills will roar back to life,” Makali assured farmers.

“The 40% dedicated to cane development will directly benefit our farmers through better yields and improved farming methods,” he added.

At the same time the legislator has called on farmers who had lost hope and abandoned sugarcane farming to get into their farms and restart the venture.

This, he believes, is going to be a great time for farmers, especially in the western region, to invest in sugar cane farming again after years of bad yields due to unconducive prices, regulations and outdated farming practices.

Many farmers had abandoned sugar cane and opted for other ventures since they were not getting value for their years of investment and toiling.

Over the years, farmers have been complaining about poor price per tonne of harvested cane but this, is set to change.

“The new pricing committee will ensure you receive fair compensation for your hard work, while the arbitration committee will protect your interests by quickly resolving disputes.

“I stand proud today knowing that our persistent advocacy for farmers’ rights has borne fruit. This law is truly a game-changer that will transform Kanduyi and all sugar-growing regions into prosperous agricultural zones,” he said.

On his side, Bungoma Senator Wakoli has hailed it as a historic milestone.