President Ruto reaffirms sugar sector bonuses, eyes export status by 2027

President William Ruto has assured sugarcane farmers that ongoing reforms in the sugar industry will guarantee timely payments and annual bonuses, similar to those received by growers of other cash crops.

Speaking at a leadership forum held at South Nyanza Sugar Company (SONY) in Awendo, Migori County, President Ruto said the government’s leasing of four state-owned sugar factories is designed to streamline operations and ensure farmers are paid promptly upon cane delivery.

“I expect to return to South Nyanza Sugar Company this December to issue bonuses to farmers. That way, we can put more money in farmers’ pockets,” said Ruto.

In January, the President distributed Ksh150 million in bonus cheques to Mumias sugar farmers, the first such initiative in Kenya’s sugar sector. With more farmers entering the industry, Ruto expressed confidence that by 2027, Kenya will become a net exporter of sugar, eliminating the need for imports.

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He also announced an additional Ksh500 million allocation to expand the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme in Nyatike Sub-County, which currently covers 7,200 acres. The scheme will also host a private rice mill, providing a ready market for local rice farmers.

Ruto emphasized that agricultural reforms are central to lowering food prices, reducing the cost of living, and boosting farmer incomes.

So far, the government has registered 6.5 million farmers, enabling efficient delivery of subsidized fertilizer and farm inputs to improve national crop yields

By Masaki Enock

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