Matiang’i claims state-backed cartels are killing Kenya’s sugar sector
By Mustafa Juma, May 12, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader and 2027 Presidential flagbearer Fred Matiang’i has accused powerful cartels protected by the state of sabotaging Kenya’s sugar industry through corruption, uncontrolled sugar imports, and fraudulent repackaging schemes.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during an interview with Luhya local radio stations, Matiang’i said the industry’s long-standing problems will only be solved once the country gets honest and serious leaders committed to protecting the interests of farmers and residents of Western Kenya.
According to Matiang’i, corruption networks and individuals benefiting from the sugar trade are largely responsible for the collapse of local sugar factories and the struggles facing cane farmers.
“We will sort out the problems in the sugar sector the day we will have honest, credible, and serious leaders who are interested in the welfare of the Western Kenyan people,” he said.
“If we don’t get there, tuwache kujidanganya.”
The former interior cabinet secretary claimed that some of the cartels involved in the sugar business enjoy protection from powerful individuals within government structures.
“Because the problems of the sugar sector in Kenya are corruption cartels, thieves protected by the state in most cases, and individuals who want to basically benefit out of the sector,” Matiang’i stated.
Questions over sugar imports
Matiang’i also questioned why Kenya continues to import large quantities of sugar despite the country’s potential to support local production.
“I keep asking myself this question: why are we importing sugar?” he posed.
He further claimed that imported sugar is being repackaged locally in Western Kenya and falsely presented as locally produced sugar.
“And then secondly, we import sugar blatantly, na watu wanajua, tunaenda kurepackage in Western Kenya and pretend that the sugar is grown in those places,” he claimed.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary suggested that authorities are aware of the alleged malpractice within the sector.
“You will not convince me that the government doesn’t know those things that are happening,” he said.
Long-standing sugar crisis
Kenya’s sugar industry has faced years of financial struggles, delayed farmer payments, ageing factory infrastructure, and rising competition from imported sugar.
Several state-owned sugar factories in Western Kenya have repeatedly faced operational and financial difficulties, sparking concerns over the future of the sector and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The sugar industry remains a major political and economic issue in Western Kenya, where many communities depend on cane farming for income.
Politicians from the region have frequently accused successive governments of failing to protect local farmers and industries from unfair competition and corruption.