The Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee, chaired by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, has suspended sugar imports into Kenya.
This decision comes as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the domestic sugar industry and protecting local producers.
Omollo issued a directive to the chairpersons of border management committees in 27 regions, instructing them to enforce the suspension.
He emphasized that the recent surge in local sugar production has made this move necessary.
“In light of the ongoing reforms within the sugar industry, it is evident that domestic sugar production is currently sufficient to meet national demand,” Omollo stated.
He highlighted that in June and July 2024, Kenya’s sugar production saw a significant increase, with output averaging 75,500 metric tonnes in June and 80,500 metric tonnes in July.
This production level, according to Omollo, not only meets the country’s needs but also exceeds local consumption by approximately 4,000 metric tonnes.
He noted that the revival of all sugar mills across the country is contributing to the industry’s growth and benefiting communities involved in sugarcane farming.
“To sustain this positive trajectory, it is essential to protect the industry by halting sugar imports,” Omollo added.
In his letter, dated August 22, he directed the border management committee chairpersons to stop the importation of brown/table sugar at all ports of entry.
This move is seen as a protective measure to prevent the market from being flooded with imported sugar, which could undermine the gains made by local producers.
In addition to the import suspension, Omollo urged the chairpersons to work within the multi-agency framework to conduct raids on any illegal sugar imports that might still be entering the country.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among various agencies to ensure the directive is fully enforced.
Omollo also requested that the border management committee chairpersons provide regular updates on their enforcement activities.
He asked them to submit a monthly report to the Border Management Secretariat, detailing their efforts and any challenges encountered in implementing the directive.
This suspension of sugar imports is expected to bolster the local sugar industry, ensuring that Kenyan sugarcane farmers and producers continue to thrive as the country moves towards self-sufficiency in sugar production.
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