Sugar Prices Soar: Ruto Explains the Surge
President Willian Ruto on August 2 attributed the skyrocketing sugar prices to a lack of sugarcane on plantations.
Ruto stated during a press briefing at State House in Nairobi that many factories in the country had temporarily shut down due to a lack of raw materials, compelling many retailers to sell the additive for Ksh500.
He added that the scarcity has even compelled some businesses to harvest sugar cane prematurely.
The Head of State also lamented that the sugar industry has been beset by disorder and lawlessness, but disclosed that the government is implementing measures to improve the sector.
“There has been disarray and disorder throughout the entire sugar industry. Additionally, there has been poaching from one level to the next. “We also have individuals who refuse to comply with the law,” he said.
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Ruto also explained that despite the government’s initial reluctance to permit the importation of sugar, circumstances compelled the executive branch to reverse its position.
“We have issued import licenses for sugar, but there has been insufficient supply in the COMESA region.”
Ruto added, “We are confident that we will have enough when we reach the rest of the market.”
Ruto provided assurances that prices would decrease by the end of August 2023 as new supplies of products enter the country.
Nonetheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to finding a long-term solution to the sugar price problem and expressed confidence that government interventions will produce the desired outcomes.
Ruto emphasized the importance of empowering producers in resolving the sugarcane shortage problem.
The Head of State simultaneously made an important announcement by reducing the price of a 50 kg container of fertilizer from Ksh3,500 to Ksh2,500.
Sugar Prices Soar: Ruto Explains the Surge