The government has implemented the Sugar Act 2024, assented by President William Ruto on November 1, 2024, with its commencement date set for November 21, 2024.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja said that the Act provides for the development, regulation, and promotion of the sugar industry.
“The Act establishes the Kenya Sugar Board and the Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute and I have appointed Acting Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) for both institutions,” explained the CS.
Dr. Karanja said that the Kenya Sugar Board will now regulate and manage the sugar industry. Previously, these functions were being handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
He highlighted that the Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute will take over the sugar research functions previously managed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO).
“The Act provides that persons who were members of staff of the former Kenya Sugar Board before the commencement of the AFA Act 2013, currently serving the Authority and those in the AFA Sugar Directorate shall transition to become staff members of the Board,” said Dr. Karanja.
He added that the Act also provides for representation of growers, private and public owned sugar mills in the Kenya Sugar Board.
Meanwhile, the Ministry in consultation with the County Governments and other stakeholders will develop procedures for election of these representatives. I have constituted a Transition Committee to ensure smooth operationalization of the Act,” said Dr. Karanja.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
