President Ruto assents to Sugar Bill at State House
President William Ruto on Friday signed the Sugar Bill into law, a move poised to rejuvenate Kenya’s sugar industry
President William Ruto on Friday signed the Sugar Bill into law, a move poised to rejuvenate Kenya’s sugar industry.
Sponsored by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, the Bill introduces a sustainable framework aimed at revitalising growth and development in the sector.
“As a co-author of this transformative legislation, I am deeply grateful to witness this moment that will revolutionise the lives of over 14 million Kenyans across the Lake Region Economic Bloc,” Wakoli told NTV.
A key component of the law is the reinstatement of the Kenya Sugar Board, now equipped with enhanced regulatory powers to oversee industry operations.
The reestablished board is expected to bring order and transparency to the sector, regulating all facets of sugar production and marketing.
This new structure is particularly aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, addressing long-standing issues such as cane poaching, fluctuating market prices, and insufficient industry oversight.
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The law also introduces designated catchment areas aimed at curbing cane poaching and ensuring fair compensation for farmers. This approach is anticipated to strengthen partnerships across the cane value chain, as millers gain confidence to invest with the assurance of a stable cane supply.
County governments are also assigned critical responsibilities under the new law, with a mandate to strengthen farmer support through extension services and the promotion of cooperative societies. This county-level involvement is intended to bring governance closer to the grassroots, ensuring local concerns are directly addressed.
Senator Wakoli expressed optimism following President Ruto’s assent to the bill.
“Working with all stakeholders, we will restore Kenya’s sugar sector to its rightful place as a key driver of our agricultural economy,” he said.
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