By WAKHUNGU ANDANJE
June 4, 2026| Cane farmers in Bungoma County have endorsed Dr. Ronald Inyangala (pictured second left) as their preferred candidate for the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) directorship representing the upper Western region. The decision comes as the sugar subsector faces unprecedented challenges despite ongoing government reforms.
Farmers cited Dr. Inyangala’s potential to transform an industry in turmoil. Recent data shows sugarcane production dropped by nearly 25 per cent in 2025, with output falling to approximately 7.05 million tonnes . Several mills have suspended operations due to acute cane shortages, while farmers report delayed payments and low returns .
Speaking during a farmers’ tour in Maliki, growers noted that Kabras region hosts two operational factories—Butali and West Kenya—making Dr. Inyangala’s leadership crucial. He would oversee five counties: Kakamega, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, and West Pokot.
Farmers Demand Share in By-Products
The farmers raised concerns about being excluded from lucrative by-products. “We are currently being paid only for sugarcane, yet millers still hold our molasses, ethanol, and bagasse,” said one representative.
This grievance aligns with KSB Chairman Eng. Nicholas Gumbo’s recent call for annual bonus payments for cane farmers, similar to tea and coffee growers. Gumbo noted that innovative mills produce multiple revenue streams, yet farmers only earn from cane weight .
Pricing Dispute and Representation Gaps
The endorsement follows the government’s April 2026 revision of minimum cane prices from Sh5,750 to Sh5,500 per tonne—a reduction farmers strongly rejected . Growers threatened industry-wide strikes, arguing the cut undermines their livelihoods.
Farmer Mr. Opala questioned the current representation structure: “Before KSB’s disbandment, upper western region with only 2 factories had two directors. Now we have 7 factories but only one slot—this is underrepresentation of the highest order.”
Transparency Concerns
The farmers accused KSB of hoarding information about upcoming polls, noting that cleared candidates have not been announced despite papers being presented on May 19, 2026. They questioned how voting will be conducted, where tallying centres are located, and when the register will be cleaned.
Despite these challenges, the farmers affirmed their commitment to mobilising votes from Bungoma’s 45 wards, with only two days remaining before registration closes. Dr. Inyangala urged farmers to register in large numbers, promising to revive the ailing industry and ensure farmers reap big from cane farming.