Ranges Sugar Factory has been inaugurated in Wanjohi, Kipipiri constituency, Nyandarua County, marking a significant milestone as the region's first sugar production facility and the first sugar beet factory outside specific regions in Kenya. Sugar beet is chosen for its high sucrose concentration compared to traditional sugarcane, offering a potential solution to Kenya's sugar deficit. Currently producing 600,000 tonnes annually against a required 800,000 tonnes, Kenya heavily depends on sugar imports. Ranges Sugar Factory aims to contribute to self-sufficiency, with the Nyandarua Governor expressing optimism about sugar beet cultivation in the region due to its adaptability to local conditions.
The sugar beet variety chosen for Nyandarua matures in 90-95 days with an 18% sugar content, providing higher yield potential compared to sugarcane. The factory representative hopes sugar beet becomes Nyandarua's cash crop, emphasizing its superior production capabilities. Apart from sugar, sugar beet has versatile applications, including bioethanol and livestock feed production. The establishment of Ranges Sugar Factory aligns with the government's commitment to stabilize the local sugar industry, with recent measures such as import control extension and plans for the privatization of public sugar millers to enhance efficiency and promote growth.
