State raises sugarcane price by Sh200 to Sh5,500 per tonne
The new rate, which takes effect on May 26, 2025, was approved by the Cane Pricing Committee.
Sugarcane farmers in Kenya are set to earn more after the government increased the official price of sugarcane from Sh5,300 to Sh5,500 per tonne.
The new rate, which takes effect on May 26, 2025, was approved by the Cane Pricing Committee and applies to all 15 licensed sugar millers, including recently leased state-owned factories.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh, in a directive to managing directors of the sugar factories, said the move is based on sugar prices recorded between February and April this year.
"Based on the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three months (February 2025, April 2025), the price of cane has been increased from the current Sh5,300.00 per tonne to Sh5,500.00 per tonne, effective 26th May 2025," PS Ronoh stated.
“You are hereby requested to adhere to the new minimum cane price while making payments to the farmers on time,” he added.
Ronoh further directed all millers to pay farmers without delays, noting the government's commitment to improving farmer welfare and ensuring better livelihoods in sugarcane-growing areas.
The price adjustment is part of broader reforms aimed at stabilising the sugar sector and guaranteeing fair pay for farmers.
