The Kenya Sugar Board has unveiled a detailed plan aimed at reforming and strengthening the country’s sugar industry through tighter regulation, fair competition, and improved transparency.

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the growth and development of the sugar sector in a manner that serves the interests of all stakeholders, from farmers and millers to consumers and the broader public.

“The mandate of the Sugar Board is to promote the growth and development of the sugar industry in Kenya while ensuring that it operates in a transparent, efficient, and sustainable manner, serving the interests of all stakeholders, including consumers, producers, and the broader public,” the statement read.

The board emphasised that its approach is anchored on six key areas: licensing and monitoring, price regulation, quality control, market competition, research and development, and public education, all designed to create a fair and sustainable sugar economy.

Promoting compliance

On regulation, the Kenya Sugar Board said it is keen on ensuring that only compliant players remain in the market. “We issue licenses to sugar producers, processors, and distributors, and monitor their operations to ensure they comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards,” the board stated.

The board also highlighted its role in safeguarding consumers from unfair pricing, saying it takes part in setting controls to prevent “excessive pricing or price manipulation in the industry.”

In addition, quality remains a top priority. “We establish and enforce quality standards for sugar and sugar products to ensure that they meet health and safety requirements and consumer expectations,” the statement added.

The board further underscored the importance of fair competition, warning against practices that undermine small-scale players. “We promote fair competition among sugar industry players and prevent anti-competitive practices such as price fixing or market domination,” the statement reads

On innovation, the board said research and development will be central to ensuring the sugar sector adapts to modern challenges, particularly climate change and evolving global market trends.

Lastly, the Kenya Sugar Board pledged to increase public awareness about the industry. “We provide information and education to the public about the sugar industry, including its benefits, risks, and impact on health and the environment.”

Through these reforms, the board hopes to restore confidence in Kenya’s sugar industry and position it as a sustainable, fair, and competitive sector.