Cane farmers to earn more as prices increased

Cane plantation at Vuyika in Malava Sub-county in Kakamega County on July 12, 2021. [File/Standard]

The Kenya Sugar Board has announced an increase in prices of sugarcane, effective May 26, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, cane prices will rise by Sh200 per tonne due to prevailing economic conditions.

"Based on the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three months (February- April 2025), the price of cane has increased from the current Sh5,300 per tonne to Sh5,500, effective May 26," Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Ronoh stated.

''You are hereby requested to adhere to the new minimum cane price while making timely payments to the farmers."

This now means that cane farmers in the country are set to benefit from the revised rate, which was approved by the Cane Pricing Committee.

The ministry said the adjustment is part of broader reforms aimed at revitalising the sugar industry and ensuring fair compensation for growers.

In a directive to all 15 licensed millers, including recently leased state-owned factories, the ministry noted the importance of compliance with the new pricing policy and timely payments to protect farmers' welfare.

The sugar sector has seen major developments in recent weeks.

Last week, the government finalised the leasing of several state-owned sugar factories and committed to clearing Sh6 billion in arrears owed to farmers by July.

"Following lengthy negotiations, the government has agreed with the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) to safeguard the interests of sugar factory workers," said Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe.

The move will address salary arrears and secure the future of cane farmers and factories alike.