In a spirited debate in Parliament, lawmakers have rallied for urgent measures to reinvigorate Kenya’s struggling sugar industry, which once stood as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and employment.
Calls for Action
The motion, spearheaded by Hon. Peter Nabulindo, emphasized the historical importance of sugarcane farming, which was once a significant contributor to Kenya’s GDP and job creation. However, the sector has been in decline, leading to local millers operating at diminished capacities and a growing reliance on imported sugar. This shift has adversely impacted the country’s trade balance.
Proposed Solutions
Nabulindo’s motion urges the National Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, to reassess and enhance sugar development policies. Key recommendations include mandating that investor-millers allocate funds specifically for sugarcane farming development. This would incentivize farmers to return to sugarcane cultivation and increase overall cane production.
“We must support our farmers and make sugarcane farming profitable again,” stated Hon. Nabulindo.
Investment in Research and Modernization
Supporting the motion, Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga advocated for increased investment in agricultural research to develop early-maturing sugarcane varieties with higher sucrose content. He stressed the need for modernizing the sector to improve yields and profitability for smallholder farmers.
Infrastructure and Financial Support
Hon. Jared Okello highlighted the urgent need to address the deteriorating state of machinery and financial woes of public millers. “Proper investment and management could unlock significant benefits for our country,” he said.
Hon. Geoffrey Odanga echoed the need for effective policy implementation, emphasizing that both farmers and millers need to benefit for the industry to thrive. “A tailored sugar development policy will ensure profitability for all stakeholders,” he noted.
Reinvigorating Farmers’ Faith
Hon. Ruth Odinga pointed out the dire need for financial incentives to encourage farmers to return to sugarcane farming. She stressed that without such support, many farmers have had to abandon their fields due to inadequate returns.
Addressing Production Costs
Hon. Rahim Dawood drew attention to the high cost of sugarcane production, which can be prohibitively expensive and takes years to yield returns. He called for better implementation of the Sugar Bill to address these financial challenges.
A Call to Protect Local Industries
Hon. Jayne Kihara passionately argued for the protection of local industries and job creation. “We cannot continue to rely on sugar imports when we have the potential to produce it locally,” she asserted.
Next Steps
In closing the debate, Hon. Adan Keynan emphasized the need for action on existing policies, farmer support, and revitalization of public sugar mills. Legislators are now calling for a comprehensive approach to restore the industry’s former glory and ensure sustainable growth.
As Parliament deliberates on these urgent matters, the future of Kenya’s sugar industry hangs in the balance, with the hope that decisive action will bring back the sweetness to the sector and the economy.
