Regulator blames cartels for inflated sugar prices

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) Interim Director General Alfred Busolo and Athletics Kenya South Rift Chairman John Wachira (right) during the launch of kericho International Tea Marathon on April 8, in Nairobi.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

The foods regulator says sugar prices are inflated by cartels and has invited the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to unravel the pricing puzzle.

Acting director general of the Agriculture Fisheries and Foods Authority  (AFFA) Alfred Busolo observed that consumers have been exploited through exorbitant pricing on sugar with a 33 per cent mark-up over the factory-gate rates. “We feel like in terms of distributorship and retailers, there is reason for the Competition Authority to get involved,” said Mr Busolo in an interview with Weekend Business.