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Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has invited both private and public sugar millers to nominate 50 farmers to participate in the discussions about the draft procedures for electing representatives of growers and millers to the board.

These farmers will also be involved in discussions regarding the sugar development levy, as outlined in a memo from Acting KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire to the nation’s 16 sugar millers.

Sugar Act No. 11 of 2024 established the Kenya Sugar Board.

According to Section 6(1) of the Act, the board comprises five representatives elected by growers from each sugar catchment area and two representatives from both private and public sugar mills.

Section 40 of the Act imposes the sugar development levy as gazetted by the Cabinet Secretary.

In light of this, draft procedures for electing grower and miller representatives to the board and an order for the imposition of the sugar development levy have been developed.

“This letter serves to inform you that the board will conduct public participation on the draft procedures and engage stakeholders regarding the sugar development levy,” explained Chesire.

He said. “You are requested to inform 50 farmers to attend the forums, scheduled from January 13 to 16, 2025, according to the itinerary.”

The country is divided into five sugarcane zones: The Central Zone includes Kisumu, South Nandi, and Kericho and the Western Zone comprises Kakamega, Siaya, and Busia. The Upper Western Zone consists of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, the Southern Zone includes Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok while the Coast Zone consists of Kwale and Tana River.

Cane farmers are under the new Sugar Act required to either dissolve or form a single apex body to represent them, enabling the nomination of one representative to the Board. Currently, multiple farmers’ organisations exist, which risks diluting their collective voice.

Chesire encouraged the unions to merge for greater strength, though some associations are hesitant, fearing a loss of power and authority. Despite these concerns, Chesire assured them of fair representation, emphasising that they must comply with the newly established laws following President William Ruto’s assent to the Sugar Act 2024, which outlines a new framework for industry reforms.

However, Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association (Kesga) and farmers expressed fears over possible or potential manipulation by the board, suggesting that the move aims to ensure miller-aligned candidates are elected.

Kesga Secretary General Richard Ogendo threatened legal action to halt the process, asserting that millers should not have the authority to nominate farmer representatives for public participation.

“It is unfortunate that the board is disregarding farmers’ rights and violating the constitution. We will pursue legal action to challenge this decision. The law is clear, and the Board must adhere to its jurisdiction,” he stated.

Ogendo criticised the decision to hold the meeting at millers’ premises rather than a neutral location, noting the lack of involvement from the provincial administration in the public participation process.

But Chesire dismissed the claims, stating that the forum is open to all farmers, ensuring that no one will be excluded from participation. “The forums are open to all farmers and no one would be isolated and/or ignored,” he stated.

chesire spoke as Ogendo claimed the initiative was designed to provide millers with an unfair advantage in manipulating elections in favour of their preferred candidates, allowing them to control the sector.

However, the sugar board dismissed the claims and asked Ogendo to stop crying wolf when so far nothing wrong has happened with the due legal and lawful procedures being followed to the letter.

In the wake of brewing storm in the sugar industry, Kenya Federation of Farmers Union expressed support for the KSB, with Secretary General Killion Osur stating that there is nothing questionable about the KSB’s decision to hold farmers’ meetings in each milling zone.

“There are sugar cartels that have consistently obstructed industry reforms for years. Whenever reforms are proposed, they threaten legal action to derail progress. This time, we will not allow it,” he asserted.