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Kenya Sugar Board acting CEO Jude Chesire has been elected Vice Chairman of the Council of the International Sugar Organization (ISO). Chesire was picked during the Council meeting held on November 29, 2024, at  Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, attended by leading world sugar industry experts.

This marks the first time that Kenya and Africa have held such a prestigious position since the establishment of the ISO in 1968.

The ISO also picked Edga Herrera from Costa Rica as Chairman of the ISO, succeeding Sanjiv Chopra from India, who previously held the position. With this election, Chesire will also be poised to become chairman of the ISO Council in 2026, further solidifying Kenya’s and Africa’s influence in the global sugar sector.

The ISO Council is the highest decision-making body for the world sugar sector, with 114 member countries, including major sugar producers like Brazil, India, the EU, Thailand, the UK, South Africa, and Australia. Together, these countries produce 165 million tonnes of sugar and hundreds of millions of tonnes of ethanol annually.

“I’m elated and say thanks to the ISO Council. I never expected this and so I thank God for the honour bestowed on me and my country,” said Chesire. The Vice Chairman of the ISO Council plays a crucial role in the governance of the ISO.