Sugar Reforms Must Benefit Farmers and Counties, Says Lusaka

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called for accelerated implementation of ongoing sugar sector reforms, urging stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions and deliver tangible change to millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

Speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee at the Council of Governors during the 68th International Sugar Council Conference in Diani, Lusaka said the sector had reached a defining moment that required urgent, coordinated action.

The conference was graced by the Deputy President Prof.Kithure Kindiki and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and brought together agricultural stakeholders, policymakers and international partners.

Lusaka underscored the critical role of the sugar industry in Kenya’s economy, noting that the sector supports more than six million livelihoods across farming, transport, manufacturing and rural businesses.

“When we speak of building a sustainable, competitive and inclusive sugar economy, we are speaking about people’s lives, livelihoods and the future of rural economies,” he said.

The CoG Agriculture Committee Chair urged stakeholders to ensure that the Diani conference delivers concrete outcomes rather than becoming another forum of promises without implementation.

“Not a gathering of elegant speeches that dissolve into inaction. Not another communiqué filed and forgotten. This must be the moment Kenya chooses transformation over incrementalism,” Lusaka stated.

While backing ongoing reforms under the government, Lusaka said implementation must be fast-tracked to restore confidence within the sector and protect farmers from years of uncertainty.
He cited the liberalisation of sugar imports, privatisation of state-owned sugar companies, adoption of contract farming frameworks and the settlement of historical cane payment arrears as critical interventions aimed at reviving the industry.

“These are not cosmetic changes. They are structural. The Council of Governors stands firmly behind them even as we call for their implementation to be accelerated and for county governments to be empowered as full partners in their execution,” he said.

Lusaka further pressed for county governments to be permanently integrated into national sugar policy formulation, arguing that devolution remains central to strengthening the agricultural value chain.

“County governments are constitutional partners in the development of this sector. We must have a formal, structured and permanent seat at the national sugar policy table,” he said.

He also called for immediate investment in research, modern cane varieties and irrigation infrastructure, saying proposals must now transition into action.

“The takeaway from Diani must be simple and binding , accountability must be non-negotiable and every promise made must be tracked and delivered,” Lusaka said.

He maintained that Kenya’s sugar belt should be viewed not as a burden, but as a strategic national asset capable of driving rural industrialisation, economic growth and regional competitiveness.