Sugar board urges farmers to back temporary closure for cane maturity

The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has called on farmers to support a planned three-month shutdown of sugar factories across the country, arguing the move will allow sugarcane to mature fully and earn farmers higher returns.
In a statement shared on Saturday, 12 July 2025, via the Ministry of Agriculture’s official social media platforms, KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire urged growers not to panic over the temporary closure, insisting it is a strategic decision aimed at maximising value for both farmers and millers.
Chesire said the current average age of cane in most parts of western Kenya is between 9 and 11 months short of the recommended 12 months.
“If we close for three months, farmers will benefit from increased weight and sucrose content, which means more money in their pockets,” he explained.
Farmers to reap
According to KSB, every month of additional maturity allows the cane to gain up to four tonnes per acre.
This growth could translate into an income increase of more than Ksh72,000 per hectare, based on the average rate of Ksh6,000 per tonne.
“This is about putting more money directly into farmers’ hands,” Chesire said.
The sugar board said it had worked closely with stakeholders, including sugar millers, to arrive at the decision. The aim is to avoid premature harvesting, which has in the past reduced both yield and income.

KSB also assured farmers that millers would provide financial advances during the shutdown to cushion growers from cash-flow gaps.
The support will enable farmers to meet essential needs while waiting for the cane to mature.
Chesire added that the local sugar industry remains protected from external market pressures due to the COMESA safeguards, which have been extended until November 2025.
“This is a win-win. Farmers get better returns, millers operate more efficiently, and the industry becomes more sustainable,” Chesire noted.
The factory shutdown is expected to take effect later this month.