Global sugar prices have risen to a 28-year high, prompting diversion of the commodity from key COMESA sources that Kenya relies on. As more regional producers turn to better paying international markets, the local sugar industry has been unable to cope with growing demand. Acute shortages have pushed prices up, with a kilo of sugar retailing at 140 shillings, up from 80 shillings a kilo two months ago. In the second part of our series, 'turbulence in the sugar industry', we look at why Kenya has remained an uncompetitive high cost producer of sugar.