(Nairobi) – Workers in Kenya’s sugar industry have shown strong support for the new Sugar Act, recently approved by President William Ruto. Labor leaders and workers alike view the law as a critical step in regulating the sector, which has faced challenges from unregulated imports and market instability.
Francis Wangara, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, described the Sugar Act as a vital tool for the industry. “This law is essential for effective regulation within the sugar industry,” Wangara stated. He highlighted the long-awaited nature of the legislation, emphasizing its importance for the industry’s future.
The Sugar Act introduces a new governance structure by transferring oversight from the Agriculture and Food Authority to a Directorate of Sugar. Unlike past regulatory structures, the Directorate will be led by elected representatives from sugar-growing regions. According to Wangara, this change will improve accountability, as sugar directors will now represent and answer directly to the farmers and the industry.
The Act also addresses a major concern for the sector: unregulated sugar imports, which have frequently flooded local markets and reduced the demand for domestically produced sugar. Wangara noted that while imports were initially intended to cover supply shortages, in recent years, excessive importation has negatively impacted local producers and workers alike.
| Key Concerns Addressed by the Sugar Act | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulation of Sugar Imports | Prevents excess imports affecting local markets |
| Transition to Directorate of Sugar | New leadership structure by elected directors |
| Increased Accountability | Directors answer to farmers and industry |
| Improved Stability | Supports long-term stability and growth |
Wangara also pointed out that while new sugar factories might enhance production, they require a consistent supply of sugarcane to remain operational. He recalled last year’s challenges, when factories were forced to halt production for four months due to raw material shortages, showing the importance of stability in sugarcane supply.
The new Act is expected to bring greater order and discipline to the sugar industry, promoting long-term stability. Wangara stressed that stability not only benefits the industry as a whole but also improves the negotiating power for workers seeking better employment conditions. “Workers thrive when there is stability in the industry,” he explained, adding that stable conditions make it easier for labor representatives to negotiate improved terms with employers.