(Bungoma) – President William Ruto’s recent signing of the Sugar Act, 2022, has sparked hope among Western Kenya leaders and farmers, promising significant reforms in the sugar sector. The Act, a key promise in Ruto’s 2022 campaign, seeks to address long-standing challenges in the industry, including the high cost of sugar production, poor management of sugar companies, and the lack of proper export and import controls. These reforms are expected to bring substantial improvements in the lives of farmers across the sugar belt, particularly in Western Kenya, as they gain access to better markets, enhanced returns, and employment opportunities.
Political analyst Dismas Mokua praised the Sugar Act, stating that it would eliminate the obstacles hindering the growth of the sugar industry. He highlighted that the Act addresses critical issues like research and development, sugar production costs, and managing exports and imports. Mokua believes that this will create significant wealth and employment opportunities, particularly for farmers in Western Kenya, which has long struggled with economic challenges linked to the sugar industry.
Western Kenya’s leaders are optimistic about the impact of the new law, seeing it as a vital step toward restoring the sugar sector’s viability. Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, who co-authored the Sugar Bill alongside Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, expressed confidence that the reforms would revolutionize the lives of over 14 million Kenyans. “We will work with all stakeholders to restore Kenya’s sugar sector as a key driver of our agricultural economy,” said Wakoli, emphasizing the potential benefits for communities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc.
The timing of the Sugar Act’s enactment aligns with the political realignment in Kenya, as President Ruto shifts his focus away from the Mount Kenya region and looks to solidify support in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. The Act’s swift passage is seen as part of Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen his ties with the region, which was a significant part of his 2022 electoral victory despite it being traditionally allied with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
MP Wangwe reiterated that the Sugar Act is a game changer, particularly for farmers in Western, Nyanza, and parts of the Coast, all of whom depend heavily on the sugar industry. The law, which was at the center of Ruto’s 2022 campaign promises, is expected to bring much-needed reforms to the sector, ultimately improving the lives of sugar farmers.
This new law marks a significant departure from previous attempts at sugar sector reforms, which often faltered due to political gridlock. However, with the formation of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, spearheaded by influential leaders from Western Kenya such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, there has been renewed momentum for change.
Mudavadi, who played a central role in Ruto’s 2022 campaign, had promised to address the challenges facing the sugar industry in the region. Since taking office, he has worked to unite Western Kenya leaders around this cause, holding meetings to outline the region’s development priorities, with the sugar sector at the forefront. Mudavadi’s role has been key in ensuring that sugar reforms are implemented, with the hope that the changes will lead to higher returns for farmers.
Support for the Sugar Act has been widespread, with workers in the sugar industry also welcoming the reforms. Francis Wangara, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, expressed optimism that the Act would effectively regulate the sugar sector and bring about long-term positive changes. “We believe it will have a tremendous positive impact on the sugar industry,” Wangara said.
A significant feature of the new law is the establishment of a Directorate of Sugar, which will replace the Agriculture and Food Authority. This new body will be led by elected representatives from sugar-growing regions and will focus on the regulation, development, and promotion of the sugar industry.