The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has launched consultations with stakeholders in Bungoma County as part of efforts to address persistent challenges facing the sugar sector and improve the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers.

The forum, chaired by David Wakoli, brought together sugarcane farmers, factory representatives, officials from the Kenya Sugar Board, county government officials, Members of County Assembly and other leaders from the region.

During the meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Bungoma County, farmers and stakeholders highlighted a range of challenges affecting the sugar industry and undermining the welfare of sugarcane farmers.

Issues of focus

Among the issues raised were delayed payments by sugar factories, low sugarcane prices per tonne delivered to factories, irregular issuance of cane harvesting permits and poor road infrastructure, which continues to hinder transportation of cane and contribute to post-harvest losses.

Stakeholders also called for the development of improved cane varieties that mature within a shorter period to enhance productivity and reduce losses for farmers.

Other concerns included inadequate agricultural extension services, shortage of agronomists to support farmers, lack of adequately equipped medical facilities to handle injuries sustained during cane farming activities and the need to strengthen laws, regulations and institutional frameworks governing the sugar sector.

Farmers urged the Senate to intervene and support reforms aimed at revitalising the industry and safeguarding the welfare of sugarcane farmers across the country.

Senate response

Speaking during the engagement, Senator Wakoli said the committee had received both oral submissions and written memoranda from stakeholders and would deliberate on the issues raised.

He said the committee would consider the views presented with the aim of supporting policy, legislative and regulatory interventions to revitalise the sugar subsector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

“He noted that the Committee would consider the views received with a view to supporting policy, legislative and regulatory interventions aimed at revitalising the sugar subsector and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” the statement by the parliament read.

The committee emphasised the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement and public participation in shaping laws and policies that respond to the needs of farmers and strengthen agricultural value chains across the country.