More imports as sugar production declines by 51percent

The Government has defended importation of more sugar, saying the domestic output has declined by 51 per cent. This follows closure of four factories. The Sugar Directorate says the Government approved imports to stabilise prices as well as cushion the market from acute shortage of the commodity.

Four sugar factories – Mumias Sugar Company (MSC), West Kenya, Kibos and Soin sugar firms have been closed for maintenance leading to decline in production. The remaining seven operational factories - Chemelil, Sony Sugar, Nzoia Sugar, Butali, Transmara, Sukari and Muhoroni Sugar have on average not exceeded 1,500 tonnes daily in the last two weeks.