Senate committee holds forum in Bungoma to address sugarcane sector challenges

The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on Tuesday held a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Bungoma County to address persistent challenges facing the sugarcane subsector and explore ways of improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

The forum, chaired by David Wakoli, brought together sugarcane farmers, farmers’ associations, representatives and management of sugar factories in Bungoma County, officials from the Kenya Sugar Board, county government officials, Members of County Assembly and other stakeholders from the region.

During the meeting, farmers and stakeholders highlighted a number of issues affecting the sugar industry and undermining farmers’ welfare. Among the concerns raised were delayed payments by sugar factories, low sugarcane prices per tonne delivered to factories, irregular issuance of cane harvesting permits and poor road infrastructure that hampers transportation of cane and contributes to post-harvest losses.

Stakeholders also called for the development of improved sugarcane varieties that mature within a shorter period to enhance productivity and reduce losses for farmers.

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Other concerns included inadequate agricultural extension services, a shortage of agronomists to support farmers, lack of adequately equipped medical facilities to handle injuries sustained during cane farming activities and the need to strengthen laws, regulations and institutional frameworks governing the sugar sector.

Farmers urged the Senate to support reforms aimed at revitalizing the sugar industry and safeguarding the welfare of sugarcane farmers across the country.

Speaking during the engagement, Senator Wakoli said the committee had received both oral submissions and written memoranda from stakeholders and would deliberate further on the issues raised.

“The committee will consider the views received with a view to supporting policy, legislative and regulatory interventions aimed at revitalizing the sugar subsector and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” he said.

The committee emphasized the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement and public participation in shaping laws and policies that respond to the needs of farmers and strengthen agricultural value chains nationwide.

By Obegi Malack

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