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Expedite measures for revival of sugar sector

Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 06:26 | By
Sugarcane farming. Photo/Courtesy

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pledge that the government will implement the long awaited recommendations of the sugar task force as part of ongoing efforts to revive the sector is welcome.

 Hopefully, this will be the silver bullet for the bitter-sweet story of the sugar sector. To the thousands of farmers in the sugar belt, especially in Western and Nyanza regions heaving under grinding poverty despite their toil,  only quick  implementation of the recommendations will restore their faith in the crop. 

For too long, the government  has ignored the plight of farmers and created room for cartels to thrive. As a first demonstration of its  seriousness to revive the sector, the  government must begin by rehabilitating ailing sugar milling firms in a  transparent manner. This includes resolving their crippling debts— and the billions owed to farmers.

The measures which, include re-introduction of the sugar levy, privatisation of public sugar mills to enhance efficiency and enactment of the Sugar Act, will certainly be a much needed remedy for a sector now on its deathbed.

Other proposed reforms are the gazettement of the sugar sector regulations including import rules, amendment of the AFA Act and Crops Act to be in line with the 2010 Constitution, and a review of the taxation regime in the sector to enhance investor incentives. This will come amid strict compliance with Comesa regulations and outlined reforms needed to turn around productivity.

To attract serious players, international firms with experience in sugar production must be allowed to compete in these projects.

Kenya is regarded as an inefficient and expensive producer. What is required is infusion of best international production practices. 

The admission that the government doesn’t need to engage in business as its role is in facilitating farmers to get the best seed, fertiliser and other farm implements has been long overdue.

And for the country to make real strides towards turning around  the sugar sector, the national and county governments must bring on board all stakeholders in the revival process. 

In the past, the government out of political expediency, has been too keen to throw good money after bad. Unfortunately, it has never learned any lessons from this retrogression. May be it has finally see the light. Only time will tell.

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