The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has assured consumers that there is no need for concern over rising sugar prices, even as new data shows a significant decline in domestic sugar production last year.
In a statement, the regulator said the country has adequate sugar stocks to meet demand and sustain normal market supply, despite challenges that disrupted production in 2025 and early 2026.
“Kenya’s sugar supply is stable. There is no need for panic buying, and consumers can continue purchasing sugar normally,” the Board said.
As per the local news report, according to official industry data, sugar output dropped to approximately 613,000 metric tonnes in 2025, down from 815,000 metric tonnes the previous year. The 25 per cent decline meant that local production covered only about 61 per cent of Kenya’s annual sugar requirement of 1.2 million metric tonnes.
The Board explained that the decline was expected and largely driven by ongoing reforms in the sugar sector. Among the key factors was a deliberate slowdown in cane harvesting in certain regions to allow crops to mature fully. This followed extensive harvesting in 2024, which left much of the 2025 crop at immature growth stages.
Several sugar factories in Western Kenya were temporarily shut to prevent early harvesting. According to the Board, this decision was aimed at protecting farmers’ incomes by improving cane quality and boosting sucrose levels.
In addition, four formerly state-owned sugar mills were closed as part of a process to lease them to private investors. The facilities underwent major rehabilitation and modernisation at a cost of about Sh12.5 billion, significantly reducing milling activity throughout the year. Kwale Sugar Factory remained non-operational for the entire 2025 period.
Adverse weather conditions further compounded the situation, with prolonged dry spells in late 2025 and early 2026 hindering cane development and reducing yields in major sugar-producing regions.
The Board described 2025 as a transition year, noting that the temporary production dip was necessary to support long-term sector stability and improved efficiency.
To shield consumers from price volatility, the regulator said it has introduced measures to stabilise the market and curb speculative pricing as output gradually recovers. Sugar demand in Kenya continues to grow, driven by population increases and rising industrial consumption.
Looking ahead, the Board said farmer support is set to increase in 2026 through funding from the Sugar Development Levy. The resources will be used to expand cane cultivation, promote early-maturing cane varieties developed by the Kenya Sugar Research Institute, and enhance overall productivity.
