Cane millers protest illegal sugar imports

The Government has unveiled a green energy project to promote utilisation of sugarcane by-products in Western Kenya.

For decades, politicians from sugarcane growing areas have used the cane crop as a campaign tool. Normally, the politician who shouts the loudest about forcing an increase in the price of sugarcane — and bribes most — wins the parliamentary ticket.

The CS directed millers to adhere to the new prices while paying farmers.

?A farmers lobby wants Members of Parliament from Sugar growing areas to reject the nullification of the Sugar Regulation Policy

If the sugar imports keep coming without restrictions, it will not safeguard farmers and the prices of sugar will be depressed

Kenya’s millers are not well-positioned to compete with rivals with the impending end to sugar import quotas from COMESA.

?Federation says move to dissolve boards of State firms will release stranglehold on producers.

Millers requested to have the sugarcane ban lifted as they need to supplement their sources

The decision by most of the growers to embrace other cash crops starved troubled Mumias Sugar Company of raw materials

Licensing of many private sugar companies is to blame for the problems facing sugarcane farmers and the near collapse of public millers.

The leaders have given condition for them to chip in reviving the company.

Governor Patrick Khaemba told MPs sugarcane is eating into land meant for growing other crops.