Local sugar millers want imported sugar to be controlled

Nairobi, Kenya - Local sugar millers are calling for tighter controls on imported sugar, warning that unregulated imports are putting local producers at a disadvantage. During a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Sanjay Patel, the Managing Director of Butali Sugar, argued that imported sugar should be released into the market in controlled batches to prevent market flooding and ensure fair competition.

"Our local production cannot meet demand, but we need structured importation to compete fairly," Patel stated. He also advocated for local millers to participate in decision-making processes regarding import quantities and release schedules. Patel highlighted that imported sugar primarily benefits a few traders while local farmers continue to grapple with high cane production costs.

At Mumias Sugar Mills, the committee heard that the recent importation of 27,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar by Mombasa Sugar Refinery, intended for industrial use, did not significantly impact local mills. Mumias Sugar Operations Manager Stephen Kihumba acknowledged that sugar imports help regulate prices but stressed the need for stricter controls in the sector.

Committee Chairperson Bernard Shinali explained that the inspection, prompted by recent sugar imports, aimed to evaluate the impact on local mills and farmers. The committee also visited the Constituency Industrial Development Centre in Ikolomani, which remains idle due to a lack of electricity, and plans to inspect additional facilities, including the Busia Sugar Company, Nasewa EPZ, and the Busia County Aggregation Industrial Park.