Bonus offered to sugar farmers heralds new chapter

The announcement by President William Ruto introducing the first-ever bonus payments to sugar farmers marks a significant turning point for an industry that has long struggled with systemic challenges.

For decades, Kenya’s sugar farmers have toiled tirelessly in the fields, nurturing the backbone of an industry that has not only fed our nation but also fuelled rural economies and supported livelihoods across vast swathes of our country.

Yet, despite their unwavering commitment, many of these farmers have historically faced systemic neglect, mired in cycles of low earnings, delayed payments, and mounting frustrations.

Today, however, we stand at the dawn of a new chapter, one that carries the promise of justice and dignity for our sugar farmers: the introduction of the first-ever bonus payments.

This development is not merely a financial milestone; it is recognition of the critical role that sugar farmers play in our economy. For years, the struggles of farmers have been a glaring contradiction in an industry that generates billions annually.

The fact that they will now receive bonuses marks a step towards correcting historical injustices and addressing the deeply entrenched inequalities within the sugar value chain.

Sugar is not just another crop in Kenya; it is a lifeline. In counties like Kakamega, Bungoma, Nandi, and Kisumu, the sugar industry is a primary source of employment, directly supporting thousands of farmers and indirectly sustaining many more through ancillary industries.

It has been the cornerstone of economic activity in these regions for decades, creating ripple effects in education, health, and infrastructure development. Yet, the plight of sugar farmers has often been ignored or reduced to a footnote in national discourse.

The introduction of the bonus payment is a step towards reversing this trend. It signals a commitment to making farming not just a viable but a rewarding enterprise.

It also demonstrates that policymakers and industry stakeholders are beginning to appreciate the immense contribution of farmers to the economy. However, while this is a moment worth celebrating, it should also serve as a call to action to ensure that this initiative is sustained and scaled.

One of the most critical aspects of the bonus payment scheme is its potential to restore trust between farmers and millers. For years, this relationship has been strained by delayed payments and opaque practices that have left farmers at the mercy of powerful millers.

By introducing bonuses, the industry is taking a step toward transparency and fairness, which are key to building a more equitable sugar sector.

Additionally, this move could serve as an incentive for farmers to reinvest in their farms. With an assured bonus, they can afford to adopt better farming practices, purchase high-quality inputs, and even diversify their crops to enhance productivity. Over time, this could lead to higher yields, improved quality of sugarcane, and ultimately, a more competitive sugar industry.

That said, the introduction of bonuses must be accompanied by structural reforms to ensure that the gains are not short-lived. For starters, the government must address the inefficiencies plaguing our sugar mills.

Many of these mills are operating with outdated technology, leading to high production costs and lower returns for farmers. Modernising these facilities should be a priority to ensure that farmers reap maximum benefits from their hard work.

Moreover, there is an urgent need to streamline the sugar value chain. Middlemen have for years exploited farmers, taking a disproportionate share of the profits while farmers bear the brunt of the risks. By creating a more transparent and accountable system, we can ensure that bonuses translate into tangible benefits for farmers and their families.

Let this be the beginning of a new era, one where the sweat and toil of our farmers are rewarded with not just words of appreciation but tangible benefits that transform lives and communities.

— The writer is a Communication Consultant