Boost for cane farmers as Govt hikes minimum factory intake price

Boost for cane farmers as Govt hikes minimum factory intake price
Mamo says the sugar miller has on numerous occasions failed to comply with air quality regulations dating back 15 years ago despite assurances given that compliance would be met./COURTESY

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 13 – The Interim Sugar Pricing Committee has raised the minimum sugarcane price from Sh5,000 to Sh5,300 per tonne, effective immediately.

The decision follows a recent meeting held on February 7, 2025, to review farmers’ earnings.

Agricultural Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh directed all sugar factories to comply with the new price while ensuring timely payments to farmers.

The move aligns with ongoing sector reforms, including the Sugar Bill 2022, which established a pricing committee to ensure fair returns for growers and millers.

In January, President William Ruto launched Kenya’s first sugar bonus programme, disbursing Sh150 million to 15,000 farmers at Mumias Sugar Company.

The president also assented to the Sugar Act 2024, aimed at streamlining operations, managing supply, and eliminating cartels in the sugar sector.