Ban on sugar imports still on, Agriculture CS says
The ban on sugar imports remain in force and no new licences will issued to importers, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced.
Kagwe said the country now produces sufficient sugar to meet domestic demand without disrupting the local market hence the decision.
“I have asked Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) to stop sugar imports and no licence should be issued for sugar importers” he declared.
Kagwe said the government had resolved to shield the local sugar industry from unnecessary competition stating they will not disrupt internal market by allowing the importation of the commodity.
“We are not going to import sugar at the risk of the local industry,” he stressed.
The CS said this on Thursday during a meeting he convened with industry stakeholders, sugar farmers and KSB that was held at his Kilimo House office.
He projected a reduction in sugar imports to 60, 000 metric tonnes down from 210, 000 last year.
Kagwe attributed this to the decline partly to Shs 40 Excise Duty introduced under the Finance Act 2026 that has discouraged sugar imports.
The government, he went on, is set to transition from sugar importing to sugar exporting nation a move aimed at protecting local production.
In order to curb rampant cane poaching, Kagwe revealed of new stricter licencing requirements stating those seeking milling licences will be required to have an adequate nucleus estate and contracted outgrower farmers before approval.
