By VICTOR RABALLA More by this AuthorThe government’s ban on sugar imports has rekindled hope for the sector’s revival, with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o thanking Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya for ending the illegal trade. He also lauded the government initiative to lease State-owned sugar mills, saying the move will help increase farmers’ incomes and improve competitiveness and services in the sector. “Sugarcane farmers have been suffering as a result of sugar import surges exacerbated by the Covid-19-triggered economic depression,” said Mr Michael Arum, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Alliance of Sugarcane Farmers Organisation (KNASFO). He called on the government to reinstate the sugar development levy, and pump funds into cane development. POROUS BORDERSStephen ole Narupa, National Treasurer of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, asked the government to seal porous border points to ensure no sugar is illegally imported.

Source: Daily Nation July 03, 2020 14:26 UTC