The government, through the Kenya Sugar Board, has revised the minimum sugarcane price from KSh5,750 to KSh5,500 per tonne.
In a directive issued on April 24, 2026, the Kenya Sugar Board ordered all millers to implement the new price immediately and ensure prompt payments to farmers.
The review came after the 4th Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee assessed changing market conditions amid increased cane production and rising sugar supply.
“We refer to the Fifth and Fourth meetings of the interim sugarcane pricing committee held virtually on 24th April 2026 and physically on 17th April 2026, respectively, and subsequent extensive consultations on Sugarcane Prices. This is therefore to notify you that a new sugarcane price of Ksh. 5,500 per tonne has been approved effective immediately,” read part of the statement.
Kenya Sugar Board Reduces Sugarcane Prices
According to the board, the government settled on KSh5,500 to shield farmers from a steeper cut while responding to market conditions, although some millers had pushed for a lower rate of KSh5,000 per tonne.
It noted that increased sugar supply had pushed prices down from about KSh7,000 to between KSh6,000 and KSh6,100 per 50-kilogram bag, making the adjustment necessary to keep factories operational.
The board added that Kenyan farmers would still earn more than their regional counterparts, with growers in Tanzania receiving about KSh4,900 per tonne and those in Uganda receiving KSh4,500 per tonne.
Also Read: Win for Farmers as Government Increases Sugarcane Prices
Ministry of Agriculture Reviews 2025 Sugarcane Prices
In 2025, the government announced a review of sugarcane prices, raising the minimum price per tonne by KSh250.
The Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee approved an increase in the cane price from Ksh 5,500 to Ksh 5,750 per tonne.
The price adjustment was designed to benefit sugarcane farmers nationwide by ensuring earnings that reflect the current rise in sugar market prices.
“This progressive move reflects our commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and ensuring fair compensation for the backbone of Kenya’s sugar industry,” the Kenya Sugar Board stated.
Also Read: Hope for Sugarcane Farmers as Prices Hike
Govt Release Ksh1bn To Settle Part Of Sugar Workers’ Dues
In February, the government pledged to release KSh1 billion to partly settle salary arrears and terminal benefits owed to sugar factory workers, in a move aimed at ending a nationwide strike that had disrupted operations at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony, and Chemelil factories.
The industrial action, triggered by unpaid dues amounting to KSh10.8 billion, had raised concerns among farmers after harvested cane remained unprocessed, risking losses and delayed payments.
