Government Suspends Sugar Importation Into the Country
In light of the ongoing reforms in the sugar industry, the government has suspended the importation of sugar into the country.
The committee of Border Control and Operations Coordination has said that the country will no longer import sugar into the country any time soon.
Raymond Omollo, the committee who is also the Interior Principal Secretary directed border management committee chairpersons in 27 regions to enforce the directive.
“In light of the ongoing reforms within the sugar industry, it is evident that domestic sugar production is currently sufficient to meet national demand,” Omollo said.
He noted that in June and July 2024, local sugar production saw significant increases, averaging 75,500 metric tonnes and 80,500 metric tonnes per month, respectively, which exceeds local consumption by 4,000 metric tonnes.
Government Suspends Sugar Importation Into the Country
Omollo said the continued revival of all sugar mills is expected to further enhance industry growth and bolster the economies of sugarcane-farming communities.
“To sustain this positive trajectory, it is essential to protect the industry by halting sugar imports. You are therefore directed to enforce a cessation of brown/table sugar imports at your ports of entry,” he said in the letter dated August 22 to the chairpersons.
“Additionally, you are required to collaborate within the multi-agency framework to conduct raids on illegal sugar imports.”
Omollo asked border management committee chairpersons to provide an update on the matter and submit a monthly report to the Border Management Secretariat.
Government Suspends Sugar Importation Into the Country
This move will significantly boost the local farmers and sugar processing factories in the country. Local sugarcane producers are expected to gain once reforms in the sugar industries are put into pace.
In light of the ongoing reforms in the sugar industry, the government has suspended the importation of sugar into the country.
