By ANDANJE WAKHUNGU
May 27, 2026| Sugarcane farmers in Kakamega County are demanding greater accountability in the use of cess funds collected from cane deliveries to Butali Sugar Mills and West Kenya Sugar Company, saying the revenues should be reinvested in infrastructure and development within cane growing zones.
The concerns emerged during a meeting between farmers and Upper Western Kenya Sugar Board director aspirant Ronald Inyangala (pictured) in Chemuche Ward, East Kabras, ahead of the June 25, 2026 elections for farmer representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board.
Farmers claimed that cess revenues remitted to county governments have not adequately benefited Malava and surrounding sugarcane growing areas despite the region being a major contributor to the sugar industry.
Led by farmer Timona Busolo, the growers said poor road networks, inadequate infrastructure and rising production costs continue to affect cane farming despite the large amounts collected from the sector annually.
The issue of sugar cess and its utilization has remained contentious in Kenya’s sugar belt for years, with farmers and millers frequently accusing county governments of failing to reinvest the funds in roads and services supporting the industry.
During the meeting, farmers expressed support for Inyangala, saying they hoped he would push for reforms within the sugar sector, which has long struggled with delayed payments, high production costs, illegal sugar imports and claims of cartel influence.
Inyangala pledged to advocate for better returns for farmers and timely payments from millers if elected to the board.
“Farmers should come first because they are the backbone of the industry,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as corruption and broker influence in cane harvesting and transportation, saying cartels had continued to disadvantage farmers.
Among the proposals he outlined was the introduction of mobile weighbridges at farm level to help farmers verify cane tonnage before transportation to factories.
According to him, the move would reduce losses incurred when tractors overturn or cane is lost before reaching mill weighbridges.
“With weighing done at the farm, responsibility for losses during transport would shift to the millers,” he said.
Inyangala further argued that Malava deserved stronger representation in the sugar sector because of its position as one of the leading cane growing zones hosting two operational sugar factories that make regular payments to farmers.
He also called for improved road maintenance in cane growing areas to ease transportation and reduce post-harvest losses.
The sugar sector in western Kenya has undergone significant reforms in recent years following the establishment of the Kenya Sugar Board under the Sugar Act, which replaced the former Agriculture and Food Authority sugar directorate.
The reforms were aimed at streamlining regulation, improving farmer representation and reviving an industry that has faced years of financial instability, ageing infrastructure and competition from imported sugar.
Inyangala also promised to promote modern farming technologies, disease-resistant cane varieties and youth-focused agribusiness opportunities if elected.
He, however, cautioned against viewing the board position as financially lucrative, noting that it was primarily a service role meant to advocate for farmers’ interests within the industry.