Kenya Suspends Sugar Imports from Non-COMESA and EAC Countries
The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday that the government has decided to stop importing sugar from nations outside the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja explained that this decision is due to a forecasted rise in local sugar production, which has reduced the need for additional imports.
Karanja indicated that local sugar production is expected to exceed the 800,000-tonne target in 2024.
He highlighted that the allowance for sugar imports from outside COMESA and EAC was initially granted because local production between 2021 and 2023 was insufficient.
From 2021 to 2023, the country’s average annual sugar production was around 700,000 tonnes, falling short of the annual consumption of 950,000 tonnes.
This shortfall led to a spike in sugar prices, prompting government intervention.
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The government had issued a permit to import sugar from non-COMESA and EAC countries, originally set to expire in February but later extended.
CS Karanja noted that 2023 was exceptional due to a severe drought at the start of the year, which significantly reduced sugar production and required increased imports to address the deficit.
With improved local production this year, which has lowered sugar prices, the government decided not to extend the import permit for countries outside COMESA and EAC.
The Ministry of Agriculture also mentioned that the decision to stop sugar imports was influenced by an increase in sugar smuggling through Kenya’s borders.
Karanja acknowledged the ongoing challenges with sugar smuggling but assured that security agencies are working to address them. Kenya remains committed to following the free trade protocols outlined in existing agreements.
He also noted that while imports from these regions are ongoing under existing trade agreements, the volumes have decreased due to the unattractive low prices.
Kenya Suspends Sugar Imports from Non-COMESA and EAC Countries
