Sugar Prices Down as Kenya's Local Millers Roars Back to Life

 

Sugar prices in Kenya have significantly eased as local manufacturing roars back to life. Sugar packets arranged on the supermarket shelf.  The government lifted the five-month ban imposed on local production of the sweetener. What is the current sugar price in Kenya? A spot check by TUKO.co.ke showed that a 1kg packet retails at around KSh 180 and KSh 200, depending on the brand.  A 2kg packet of sugar retails at an average of KSh 350 across supermarkets in the country. Data from the Kenya Sugar Directorate showed that millers produced 63,075 tonnes in February 2024, compared to 60,680 tonnes produced in January 2024 after the resumption of operation. Imported sugar dropped from 27,179 tonnes reported in July 2023 following the ban on local manufacturing to 42,381 tonnes shipped into the country in the same period under review. “The weighted ex-factory sugar price for February 2024 further dropped by 6% to Sh6,708 from Sh7,110 per 50kg bag the previous month and Sh8,019/50kg bag in December 2023,” read the directorate report in part, as quoted by Business Daily. Why local sugar production in Kenya is high President William Ruto's administration paid sugarcane farmers and workers at the five public sugar companies. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said it completed the audit of all areas owed by the firms ready for payment. Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Paul Ronoh advised farmers and workers at four sugar mills to verify their bank account details ahead of disbursement. The PS noted that the payment will be completed for arrears owed by Nzoia Sugar Company, Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Sugar, and Chemilil. 

by  Wycliffe Musalia