- Migori sugarcane farmers have outlined key demands ahead of the November 24 board elections.
- Growers want mobile weighbridges to improve transparency in cane deliveries and payments.
- Import controls and faster harvesting are among the priorities facing incoming farmer representatives.
Sugarcane farmers in Migori County have told National Sugar Board candidates to fix cane weighing, imports and harvesting delays before the polls.
Elections for the board’s representatives are set for November 24, 2026. Growers in Awendo say that is the moment candidates must show they understand what farmers endure between the field and the factory. They aired their grievances during a meeting with Peter Midodo, one of the candidates seeking to represent farmers on the board.
Weighing topped the list. Without mobile weighbridges, farmers say, they cannot independently confirm how many tonnes of cane they harvested and delivered. Many are left in the dark about the weight recorded against their names, and they believe this weakens transparency and accountability. They want the next representatives to push for the machines so that growers can monitor deliveries and keep their own records.
Imports are another worry. Farmers say foreign sugar has flooded the local market, giving locally produced sugar an unfair disadvantage and pulling prices down. In their view, the trend is cutting into farm incomes and threatening the future of cane growing. They are therefore calling for firm action to curb the imports.
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Delayed harvesting also featured prominently. When mature cane stays too long in the field, farmers say, losses pile up and expected returns fall. They urged incoming representatives to work with sugar factories and other industry players to make sure cane is cut on time and transported and handled efficiently.
Beyond these demands, the farmers sent a wider message to everyone eyeing a seat. Candidates, they said, should present clear and practical solutions to the problems facing growers rather than concentrate on winning positions alone.
Ultimately, they expect whoever is elected to champion transparent weighing, protect the local sugar market, improve harvesting operations and secure fair returns for farmers’ produce.
By correspondent
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