A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the growing importation of sugar into Kenya, warning that uncontrolled imports could hurt local farmers and sugar manufacturers.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, led by Maryanne Keitany, raised the concerns on Wednesday, September 16, during a visit to South Nyanza Sugar Company (Sony Sugar) in Homa Bay County. The visit was part of an ongoing inquiry into raw sugar imports and challenges facing the sugar industry.

Sony Sugar Managing Director Jane Pamela told the committee that increased sugar imports were putting pressure on local manufacturers by reducing demand for locally produced sugar. She also raised concerns about cheap sugar entering the country through porous borders.

The committee also heard complaints about cane poaching, with some sugarcane produced by contracted farmers being diverted to other millers and jaggery producers.

Sony Sugar has about 8,000 hectares under contracted cane farmers. Pamela said the company was facing challenges as some of the cane supplied by farmers was being taken by competing sugar mills and jaggery producers.

The committee also discussed difficulties farmers face in accessing affordable fertiliser and the need for stronger measures to support sugarcane production.

Keitany questioned whether there are adequate systems to ensure farmers who receive support from particular millers honour their contracts and supply their cane to the intended factories.

The committee is expected to continue examining sugar imports, cane supply and regulatory measures as it seeks ways to strengthen Kenya’s sugar sector and protect local producers.