The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has introduced the Kenya Sugar Industry Grower’s Guide to equip sugarcane farmers with best practices for improving productivity and sustainability. Developed in collaboration with GIZ and the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), the guide addresses challenges across the sugarcane farming cycle, from land preparation to post-harvest handling. It incorporates modern agricultural research tailored to Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones, ensuring that farmers can maximize yields while preserving soil health.
KSB Chairman Nicholas Gumbo described the guide as a pivotal tool in revitalizing Kenya’s struggling sugar industry. By lowering the cost of sugarcane development and promoting value chain diversification, the board aims to double yields per hectare, meet local demand, and create surplus for export. The guide highlights the potential of sugarcane by-products such as biofuel, industrial alcohol, briquettes, and paper to increase farmer incomes and build a climate-resilient economy. Training programs on using bagasse for briquette production are also underway to lower production costs and reduce sugar prices.
KSB Acting CEO Jude Cheserem emphasized the importance of innovation in the sector, including the adoption of drone technology for sugar census activities and enhancing milling efficiency. He called on millers to explore advanced technologies and diversify sugarcane products. The board is committed to enacting regulatory measures to stabilize the sector, improve milling efficiency, and provide funding support. These initiatives align with KSB’s broader strategy to foster a robust and sustainable sugar industry in Kenya.
