Vibrant agriculture sector key to economic growth

Farmers harvest local vegetable known as Black night-shade (Osuga) in their irrigated farm at Kabonyo village in West Kano, Kisumu county on February 02, 2017. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

The Cabinet's approval to write-off Sh117 billion owed by State-owned sugar companies is a major boost to farmers who have suffered losses due to mismanagement of the sub-sector. Despite the sugar sub-sector offering employment opportunities and generating revenue, it faces numerous challenges that have reversed the gains made.

Locally produced sugar faces stiff competition from cheaply imported sugar under the Common Market for East and Southern Africa and other world markets. What is worrying is that the sub-sector has been turned into a political tool, with those seeking elective offices promising heaven to farmers in almost every general election.