Millers suspend sugar production operations

Cane farmers in Western Kenya will have to wait with bated breath for the return of sugar milling operations as manufacturers in the region announce suspension of operations starting this month.

In a notice to farmers dated 12^th July 2023, Butali Sugar Mills Ltd situated in Malava, Kakamega County, informed farmers that milling operations were set to close as from 17^th July 2023 citing the intention of the company to start its major factory maintenance.

In its statement, Butali Sugar Mills did not give a date as to when operations would resume.

Elsewhere, West Kenya Sugar Company informed its staff that they were suspending sugar production operations until 30^th November 2023 in what they said was set to allow cane to mature.

The Kabras Sugar manufacturers said the situation would be reviewed in two months to assess when milling can be resumed.

“Consequently, we write to advise that we shall be suspending our factory operations as from Friday 14^th July 2023 up to 30^th November 2023’’ the statement read in part

Reports indicate that the government through the Agriculture and Food Authority held a meeting with millers on 13^th July 2023 and reached the decision to suspend sugar production operations.

Little is known as to whether this suspension is the normal maintenance and allowing cane to mature as communicate or whether something is amiss in the sugar sector.

This comes at a time when Kenyans are facing tough economic times likely to affect not just cane farmers whose cane is ready for harvesting but also staff in the sugar factories, most of whom will be forced to stay away from work with no surety of getting back.

Cane farming, once a major source of livelihood in Western Kenya has over the last few years suffered a major set-back, key among this being the failure by some millers to pay farmers on time, lack of cane after farmers resorted to other crops and the alleged continuous embezzlement that has left government-run millers on their knees.