Sugarcane farmers across the country are set to receive a boost as the sugar board resolves to increase their earnings.
Following a decision made by the board, sugarcane prices across the country are set to increase from Ksh 5,300 to Ksh 5,500 per tonne.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development confirmed the new sugarcane prices in a letter dated May,20,2025.
“Based on the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three nionths (February 2025 April 2025), the price of cane has been increased from the current Kshs. 5,300.00 per tonne to Kshs. 5,500.00 per tonne, effective 26th May 2025,” the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh said.
New sugarcane prices
“Sugarcane farmers across Kenya are set to earn more following the Sugar board decision to raise the official cane price from Ksh 5,300 to Ksh 5,500 per tonne,” Dr Ronoh noted.
Accordingly, the new rates have already been approved by the Cane Pricing Committee and are set to take effect from this month.
“The revised rate was approved by the Cane Pricing Committee and will take effect from May 26, 2025.”
Dr. Ronoh emphasized emphasized the importance of adhering to the new minimum price.
Notice to the millers
This is after a directive was issued to all 15 licensed millers, including recently leased state-owned factories.
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The move is aimed to revive the sugar subsector and empower farmers who are the pillars through timely and fair compensation.
“This price adjustment is part of broader ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the sugar industry and ensuring fair compensation for farmers,” the Ministry stated.
Timely payment of sugarcane farmers
Additionally, the farmers are assured of timely payments as the Principal Secretary instructed the millers.
“You are hereby requested to adhere to the new minimum cane price while making payments to the farmers on time,” the Principal Secretary confirmed.
This comes after sugarcane farmers repeatedly complained of late payments from their respective millers as well as the huge, unsettled debts.
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Timely payments will ensure that the farmer’s welfare is well catered for, and this will improve the livelihoods in the region’s growing sugarcane.
“All millers to make timely payments to farmers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmer welfare and improving livelihoods in sugarcane-growing regions,” Ronoh stated.
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