Kakamega to host sugar conference next month

By Peter Ochieng

Kakamega County will play host to the first ever sugar conference next month.

Governor Fernandes Barasa says the conference will be held on 8th September, 2023.

The first time county boss said stakeholders will use the opportunity, to deliberate on revitalizing the sugar sector in the Western Kenya sugar belt.

He said they will come up with proposals for establishing structures, aimed at long-term reforms in the key sector.

"After consultation with my colleagues in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Kakamega county will be hosting the first ever sugar conference on September 8, 2023. We shall bring all stakeholders on board to submit their contributions on the sector,” he said.

“We want to have an honest conversation with all stakeholders so that we come up with a blueprint which will inform policy directions together with the national government so that we get a sustainable solution,” he added.

The 14 LREB counties are: Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.

The conference will be held on the backdrop of high sugar prices.

Currently, a kilogram of sugar goes for between Sh220 and Sh240.

This week, president William Ruto said the government has given a go ahead to importation of sugar, in a bid to bring down the prices.

However, cane farmers are against the idea of sugar importation.