NAIROBI, Kenya – Sugarcane farmers have a reason to smile after the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, raised sugarcane prices.
The new price took effect on July 21, 2025. In an official communication to sugar millers, Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, directed all players to implement the new minimum price immediately and ensure timely payments to farmers.
“The Committee approved an increase in the price of cane from the current Sh5,500.00 per tonne to Sh5,750.00 per tonne, effective 21st July 2025,” read the letter signed by the PS.
According to the PS, the latest Sh250 increment was approved by the 4th Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee after reviewing ex-factory sugar prices for the April to June period.
“The 4th Interim Pricing Committee was appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, vide his letter Ref: MOALF/S.11/25a/7/TY/3 dated January 9, 2025,” said PS Dr. Ronoh.
How were the new sugarcane prices reached
He disclosed that the Interim Committee held its second meeting on July 17, 2025, to review the minimum sugarcane price.
“Having considered the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three months (April – June 2025), the committee approved an increase in the price of cane,” the letter dated July 21, 2025 reads.
In the letter copied to the Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, PS Dr. Ronoh directed all sugar companies to adhere to the new minimum cane pricing while making payments to the farmers on time.
The CS has repeatedly emphasised the government’s resolve to stabilise the sugar industry through price reviews and better farmer support.
The letter was addressed to the managing directors of West Valley Sugar Company, West Kenya, Naitiri Unit, West Kenya Olepito Unit, Busia Sugar Industry, Sukari Industries, Kale International Sugar Company, and Mumias Sugar.
Which other sugar companies have been affected
Others were South Nyanza Sugar Company, Muhoroni Sugar Company, West Kenya, Sugar Company, Trans Mara Sugar Company, Butali Sugar Mills, Chemelil Sugar Company, Nzoia Sugar Company and Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries.
The latest review brings the total increment within the last four months to Sh500 per tonne, a 9.5% rise from April, offering a much-needed boost to sugarcane farmers across western Kenya.
“The back-to-back price adjustments underscore our responsiveness to the concerns of cane growers, who have been grappling with rising input costs and delayed payments,” the PS further said.
The committee, formed in January 2025, held its second meeting on July 17 to arrive at the new rate.
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