Mumias Sugar raises concern over cheap imports, poaching

Mumias Sugar Company loaders near a stored pile of sugar 24 June 2014. The company Ag, Managing Director Coutts Otollo in a Press statement assured  cane transporters with existing contracts that their agreement with the company will be respected till their expiry date. Photo:Benjamin Sakwa

The management of Mumias Sugar Company has raised concern over what it terms the influx of cheap sugar imports, saying it could cripple its business.

"We are facing serious challenges from the illegal importation of cheap sugar and cane poaching from rival sugar companies and juggeries. We want to appeal to the national government to reign in on such importers," said the company's Managing Director Coutts Otolo.

The MD made the remarks as the miller begun crushing cane on Wednesday in a programme that will see more than 2,000 tonnes of cane harvested.

Speaking during a press briefing at the company's offices last week, Mr Otolo sought to assure workers and suppliers that the miller has resumed its operations.

"We are officially re-opening and currently harvesting cane ready for crushing. The miller has not collapsed as we only closed for maintenance," Otolo said.

He said the capacity of cane is enough and they hope to harvest over 1.5 million tonnes by June next year.

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"We are advising farmers to plant the recent cane seed with high sucrose content," he said.