Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has slammed the recent decision by the Kenya Sugar Board to temporarily shut down five sugar mills in the Western Region for a period of three months, effective July 11, 2025.

According to a notice by the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) dated July 7, 2025, the closure targets key millers in Western Kenya, including Nzoia Sugar Company, Butali Sugar Mills, West Kenya Sugar Company (and its Olepito and Naitiri units), Mumias Sugar (2021) Ltd, and Busia Sugar Industry Ltd.

In a statement on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Salasya stated that the move was unfair and detrimental to both farmers and millers.

Salasya accused the Sugar Board of serving the interests of sugar cartels who benefit from cheap sugar imports at the expense of local production.

“The Sugar Board must recall we didn’t put you in place to benefit only sugar cartels who thrive on importing cheap sugar. We want you to be fair to both farmers and millers,” he said.

He warned that the three-month closure would result in significant financial losses due to operational costs that continue even when production is halted.

“Three months of closure will be a loss to both the farmers and the miller because of running costs. Remember, a company like Mumias Sugar has already been under maintenance for two months. Shutting it down for another three months is simply unacceptable,” Salasya added.

The legislator further revealed plans to convene a meeting with industry stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably and ensure the protection of both farmers’ livelihoods and the region’s economy.

KSB statement

Sugar Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jude Chesire stated that the decision was reached following a stakeholder consultative meeting held on July 4 in Kisumu, which confirmed an acute shortage of mature sugarcane in both regions.

According to Cheshire, the shortage, attributed to inadequate cane development planning, has resulted in widespread harvesting of immature cane and a significant decline in sugar production during the first half of 2025.

“This suspension will allow sugarcane to mature and enable a reset in cane supply planning. We will also conduct a cane census within two months to better assess field readiness ahead of resuming operations,” Chesire said.

Furthermore, the Board has directed all millers to intensify cane development to ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials in the future.