Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s ongoing reforms in the sugar sector, saying the changes are beginning to revive production, improve farmers’ earnings and restore confidence in the industry.
Speaking during the official opening of the 68th International Sugar Organization Conference in Diani, Kwale County, Kindiki described sugar as a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy and livelihoods.
“Sugar is much more than a commodity. Every hectare of sugarcane represents a household’s livelihood, every mill that turns represents jobs and every tonne of sugar that reaches the market represents income and return on investment,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki Defends Sugar Sector Reforms
The Deputy President said reforms introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration since 2022 were helping revive the struggling sugar industry through better governance, revival of stalled factories and improved payments to farmers and workers.
“Reforms initiated by the Government of Kenya since 2022 are turning around the sugar sector, improving governance, reviving stalled factories, assuring timely payment for farmers and workers,” he stated.
According to Kindiki, land under sugarcane farming has increased by 200,000 hectares due to improved farmer confidence and fertilizer subsidy programmes introduced by the government.
He further noted that the future of Kenya’s sugar industry lies beyond sugar production alone.
“The sugar industry of the future is one that will produce not just sugar, but also ethanol, aviation fuel, renewable energy, bio-based chemicals and other high-value industrial outputs,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also emphasized the need for fair international trade systems for agricultural commodities.
“Kenya supports a rule-based international trade in sugar and other agricultural commodities, a system that promotes the interests of both producer and consumer countries,” he added.
Government Expands Electricity Access in Kwale
Later in the day, Kindiki launched the Magaoni–Masindeni Last Mile Electricity Supply Project in Mwandimu, Msambweni Constituency.
The Ksh13.5 million project is expected to connect 105 homes, businesses and public facilities to electricity.
“The Magaoni-Masindeni Last Mile Electricity Supply Project will light up 105 homes, businesses and public amenities at a cost of 13.5 million shillings,” Kindiki announced.
He said the project forms part of a wider government programme aimed at connecting 15,300 additional households in Kwale County to the national electricity grid at a cost of Ksh1.8 billion.
Universal Electricity Access Within Reach
Kindiki said the government remains committed to achieving universal electricity access across the country, noting that Kenya’s national power connectivity rate has now reached 66 percent.
“Step by step, the Government is committed to the realization of universal access to electricity, a vision now within sight as the national power access rate stands at 66%,” he said.
While addressing residents in Msambweni, the Deputy President also outlined other government interventions in the Coast region, including road construction projects, efforts to strengthen the blue economy and plans to resolve historical land injustices affecting squatters.
Kindiki was accompanied by Fatuma Achani, Faisel Bader and Gonzi Rai among other leaders.
