The government has once again revised the minimum sugarcane price upwards, raising it from Kshs. 5,500 to Kshs. 5,750 per tonne, just three months after the last increase, which had seen the price move from Kshs. 5,250 to Kshs. 5,500 per tonne in April.
The latest Kshs. 250 increment was approved by the 4th Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee after reviewing ex-factory sugar prices for the April to June period. The new price took effect on July 21, 2025.
In an official communication to sugar millers, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh directed all players to implement the new minimum price immediately and ensure timely payments to farmers.
“The Committee approved an increase in the price of cane from the current Kshs. 5,500.00 per tonne to Kshs. 5,750.00 per tonne, effective 21st July 2025,” read the letter signed by the PS.
The back-to-back price adjustments underscore the government’s responsiveness to the concerns of cane growers, who have been grappling with rising input costs and delayed payments. The committee, formed in January 2025, held its second meeting on July 17 to arrive at the new rate.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, who has been leading reforms in the sector, was copied in the correspondence. The CS has repeatedly emphasized the government’s resolve to stabilize the sugar industry through price reviews and better farmer support.
The latest review brings the total increment within the last four months to Kshs. 500 per tonne, a 9.5% rise from April, offering a much-needed boost to sugarcane farmers across western Kenya.
