Sugarcane farmers are pushing for stricter oversight on weighbridge operations to ensure transparency as public participation on the Sugar Act 2024 draws to a close today.

The farmers told Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), the only way and fair compensation for their fresh farm produce was to incorporate their representative at the weighbridge sites in the factory.

They also wanted payment of bonuses legislated into law as they dissected the Sugar (General) Regulations, 2025 and The Sugar (Imports & Exports) Regulations, 2025.

Key among their demands is also that all weighbridges be serviced, inspected, and approved by respective county governments in consultation with the KSB.

Led by Sony farmer’s union officials Argwengs Adongo, they argued that independent oversight will help eliminate cases of manipulated weights which have led to significant losses over the years.

Additionally, the farmers insist on having a representative at the weigh site to oversee the weighing process and prevent malpractices.

The involvement of the Weights and Measures Department in calibrating and stamping weighbridges will further enhance transparency, reducing disputes over weight deductions.

“This move is expected to boost accountability and ensure that millers do not under-weigh deliveries,’’ said Adongo.

These were some of the recommendations they made during the KSB –farmers led public participation forums held at the Sony Sugar Company grounds in Awendo sugar belt.

To further enhance credibility, the Weights and Measures Department will be tasked with calibrating and stamping all weighbridges to ensure they meet the required standards.

Fraudulent weight deductions

Samwel Lagat, KSB Director in charge of Regulations said this measure aims to protect farmers from fraudulent weight deductions and irregularities in cane measurement.

The process sparked heated debates, with farmers insisting that the new regulations must address their long-standing grievances, including delayed payments and unfair deductions by millers.

Stakeholders now await the harmonised draft, which will determine the extent to which their concerns have been incorporated before the Cabinet Secretary gives the final nod to the regulations.

Kemboi said the Sugar Draft Regulations 2024 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kenya’s sugar industry.

“It will address long-standing challenges and introducing measures to enhance transparency, efficiency, and farmer welfare,’’ he said and urged farmers to support the industry reforms

One of the key issues in the sugar sector has been the exploitation of farmers through unfair weighing systems and delayed payments.

Sugarcane produces valuable by-products such as molasses, ethanol, and bagasse, which are sold to generate additional revenue.

Farmers, Onduu Abade, Peter Midodo, Domnic Akongo, and Joseph Ogutu and Mary Awino and Alice Awa, demanded that bonus be given to all cane farmers the same as it had happened to Mumias farmers. “We want bonuses,’’ said Midodo.

Elsewhere, cane farmers want draft regulations to propose that farmers receive a share of these earnings, to ensure they benefit beyond just selling raw cane.

The draft regulations provide a structured legal framework for the sugar sector, ensuring that all stakeholders, including millers, farmers, and state agencies, operate within clearly defined rules.

This will reduce exploitation, enhance compliance, and promote fair trade practices in the industry, said farmers from Transmara led by Joseph OleNaigisa, former Sony Sugar Company Outgrowers Chairman.

In ensuring proper regulation of cane pricing, timely payments, and equitable revenue distribution, the draft regulations KSB Chief executive Jude Chesire, will incentivise farmers.

Sugar production

“It will create an environment where farmers are incentivised to continue growing sugarcane, boosting sustainable sugar production and securing Kenya’s food security,’’ he said.

Chesire spoke at the Transmara Sugar Factory where he presided over the public participation forum. The exercise ends today in Kwale sugar belt, Coast region.

But as the exercise closes, all eyes remain on the KSB and the government to see whether these farmer-led proposals will be reflected in the final policy framework.

Sony Sugar Company Chairman Jared Kopiyo graced the Awendo event lauded the sugar industry reforms and called on cane farmers to support them.

The farmers views will be incorporated into the final drafts, to be submitted to the Committee on Delegated Legislation at the National Assembly to help streamline the Sugar Sector with proper guidelines.

Chesire said the Sugar Act 2024 is on track to be finalised by June, as required by law, before being handed over to the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture for further processing.

Legislative process is crucial in bringing long-awaited reforms to the sugar industry, ensuring fair practices, and enhancing farmer protection.