{
  "id": 7385065,
  "title": "Ruto credits Raila for Kenya’s sugar industry reforms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ruto-credits-raila-for-kenyas-sugar-industry-reforms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T19:31:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/ruto-credits-raila-for-kenyas-sugar-industry-reforms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday, September 14, 2026, President William Ruto praised the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his role in revitalizing Kenya's sugar industry. Speaking during a media engagement in Kisumu State Lodge, Ruto stated that the reforms would not have been possible without Odinga's input and political backing. The president highlighted that sugarcane was the first major agricultural crop his administration targeted in the region, as it presented the most immediate opportunity for intervention. Despite opposition from some political figures, Odinga's support was crucial in overcoming skepticism about the changes' potential to revive the sector. Ruto acknowledged facing resistance from several governors and Members of Parliament, who questioned the feasibility of the reforms. However, the government has since succeeded in removing cartels from the industry and installing new management at sugar mills that were previously state-owned. Under the new system, farmers are now receiving regular payments for their sugarcane, with some payments occurring within seven days or two weeks, rather than waiting for months. The government previously had to subsidize payments to farmers, but this financial burden has been alleviated. Additionally, sugar mill workers who had gone without salaries for extended periods are now receiving their wages monthly. Ruto noted that while some issues concerning retired Chemelil workers remain unresolved, the funds have been allocated in the budget to address these matters. He emphasized the sector's successful recovery, attributing it to the outlined reforms and the opening up of new investment opportunities in sugar production. Five new sugar mills have been licensed, with two already beginning crushing operations in the past few months, and three more expected to commence soon. Furthermore, nearly 300,000 additional acres have been allocated for sugarcane production, bringing Kenya closer to achieving net sugar exports within the next two to three years. The president projected that sugar production, previously around 500,000 to 600,000 metric tonnes, would rise to 900,000 tonnes by the end of 2026 and potentially reach one million tonnes the following year. Ruto's administration had previously imported about 70% of its sugar, a figure he expects to decrease significantly. In addition to sugar, he identified the cotton crop as the next agricultural focus for the region during his development tour of Nyanza.",
  "summary": "President William Ruto on Monday, September 14, 2026, credited the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with helping to turn around Kenya’s sugar industry, saying the reforms would not have been possible without his input and political support. Speaking during a media engagement at Kisumu State Lodge on September 14, 2026, on the second day […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Ruto says affordable housing will save Kenya’s farmland from land fragmentation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ruto-says-affordable-housing-will-save-kenyas-farmland-from-land",
        "published": "2026-09-14T18:15:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}