Exclusive Revelation: Ruto’s Secret Efforts to Prevent Sugar Crisis Since December 2022
Since December 2022, the government of President William Ruto has attempted to avert a sugar shortage by allowing the importation of duty-free sugar.
A presidential executive order reportedly authorized millers and Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) to import sugar and other specific food products.
The decision to allow such importation saved Kenyans from a severe sugar shortage from April to May 2023, albeit only temporarily.
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority, the country’s sugar production dropped by 36 percent at the time.
According to the Authority, the country’s sugar imports decreased by 85 percent during April.
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In March, Kenyan farmers produced 49,761 metric tonnes, but in April, they only produced 31,970 metric tonnes.
In April, the quantity of imported sugar decreased from 93,880 tonnes in March to 14,034 tonnes.
Between March and April, factories’ stockpiles decreased from 10,844 metric tonnes to 8,014 metric tonnes due to the decline in domestic sugar production and imports.
Millers now rely on imported sugar to satisfy the nation’s sugar cravings.
If the government had not permitted importation, there would be a severe shortage of sugar and it would be sold at exorbitant prices.
A statement from the government at the time read, “The Cabinet through the Executive Office of the President approved the positioning of KNTC as an anchor agency of the State initiatives to create price stabilization for essential household food items in the face of prolonged drought affecting Kenyans.”
Tuesday, April 18th, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi stated that companies that imported duty-free goods should reflect this in their pricing model.
Despite the directive of the CS, the price of sugar rose from Ksh310 at the beginning of May 2023 to Ksh490 by mid-May 2023.
Exclusive Revelation: Ruto’s Secret Efforts to Prevent Sugar Crisis Since December 2022
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