Kenya has announced a stoppage of the importation of sugar from countries outside the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), effective immediately.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja made the announcement in an official statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, attributing the move to a significant increase in local sugar production.

“Over the past four years, Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories, peaking at around 800,000 metric tons in 2022. Production in 2024 is projected to surpass this amount,” Karanja said.

The CS said in 2023, Kenya faced a severe drought that affected sugar production, leading to a shortfall and necessitating substantial imports to meet local demand. The average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is about 950,000 metric tons, with the shortfall traditionally covered through imports from COMESA and EAC countries under existing trade agreements.

Karanja stated that drought also impacted COMESA and EAC countries last year, which led Kenya to temporarily allow sugar imports from outside these regions to protect consumers from high prices. However, with improved local production and lower sugar prices this year, the import window for countries outside COMESA and EAC has not been extended.

“This year, with improved local production leading to lower sugar prices, the import window for countries outside COMESA and EAC was not extended. While sugar imports from these regions continue under existing trade protocols, the volumes have been lower due to unattractive low prices,” Karanja added.

Karanja noted that Kenya faces challenges with illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders, which security agencies are actively addressing. Despite these challenges, he said Kenya remains committed to adhering to free trade protocols outlined in existing treaties.