Sugarcane farmers in Nandi County are calling on the national government to fast-track investigations into the operations and leadership of the Kenya Sugar Board, saying that the challenges facing the sugar industry require urgent attention. The farmers want the government to speed up the investigation process, address concerns surrounding the management of the board and allow the institution to operate independently without unnecessary interference.

The farmers argue that the Kenya Sugar Board plays an important role in protecting sugarcane growers, regulating the industry and ensuring that farmers receive fair treatment from millers and other stakeholders. They believe that giving the board sufficient independence would enable it to make decisions that directly benefit farmers and strengthen the country's sugar industry.

Their concerns come at a time when sugarcane farmers across Western Kenya continue to push for reforms in the sector, particularly on leadership, representation, financial management and the protection of resources intended for sugarcane development.The farmers want the relevant government authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the concerns raised about the board and take appropriate action based on the findings.

They argue that investigations should not remain unresolved for long periods because farmers depend on the institution to safeguard their interests and ensure that the sugar industry operates under clear regulations.

The farmers also want transparency throughout the investigation process. According to their position, farmers should be informed about the progress and outcomes of investigations because they are among the main stakeholders affected by decisions made within the sugar sector.

They believe that resolving the concerns surrounding the board would help restore confidence among sugarcane growers, millers and other industry players.One of the major demands raised by the farmers is that the Kenya Sugar Board should be allowed to stand on its own as an independent institution.

The farmers believe that the board should have sufficient authority to perform its responsibilities without unnecessary interference from other government institutions or individuals.

They argue that an independent board would be better positioned to make decisions based on the interests of the sugar industry rather than external pressures.

The farmers want the institution to have effective leadership, clear responsibilities and the necessary resources to regulate the sector.

They also believe that independence would strengthen accountability because the board would be expected to explain its decisions and demonstrate how its activities benefit sugarcane growers.Farmers have repeatedly argued that the institution should have meaningful representation from sugarcane growers because they are directly involved in producing the raw materials used by sugar factories.

Leadership and Representation Remain Major Concerns

Leadership and farmer representation have become important issues in discussions about the future of the sugar industry.

Sugarcane farmers want leaders representing their interests to have a meaningful role in decision-making processes within the Kenya Sugar Board.

In July 2026, sugarcane farmers from different parts of the country threatened nationwide demonstrations over delays surrounding the election of board directors. They argued that prolonged legal disputes were preventing farmers from electing their representatives. The farmers maintained that elected representatives would help ensure that decisions affecting sugarcane growers are made with their participation.

There have also been disagreements over proposals to change aspects of the Sugar Act and the manner in which certain responsibilities and financial resources should be managed.

These disagreements have increased pressure on the government to address outstanding issues and ensure that the board operates within the law.

For Nandi farmers, the leadership question is particularly important because the county has a growing sugarcane farming sector whose future depends on effective regulation, reliable markets and proper representation.Another issue attracting attention in the sugar industry is the management of financial resources intended to support sugarcane farmers.

Farmers want money collected and allocated for sugar industry development to be used for its intended purposes.

They believe that resources meant for improving sugarcane production should support farmers through access to affordable farm inputs, improved agricultural services, research, infrastructure and other development programmes.

There have been disagreements nationally over proposals to transfer some of the Kenya Sugar Board's financial and lending responsibilities to other government institutions.

In October 2026, sugarcane farmers in Western Kenya opposed provisions in the proposed Crops Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would transfer certain lending responsibilities from the Kenya Sugar Board to the Kenya Agribusiness Development Corporation.The concerns demonstrate why farmers want the government to clarify the board's responsibilities and protect the financial arrangements established to support the sugar industry.

The farmers argue that any changes affecting the institution should involve meaningful consultations with growers before decisions are implemented.

Nandi County's Growing Sugarcane Industry

Sugarcane farming has increasingly become an important economic activity in Nandi County, particularly in areas such as Tinderet.

Many households have embraced sugarcane production as a commercial farming activity because of the opportunity to earn income from selling harvested cane to sugar factories.The farmers' appeal places responsibility on the national government to address the outstanding concerns affecting the Kenya Sugar Board.

They want the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant authorities to provide clear direction on the way forward.

They also want investigations to be conducted within a reasonable period so that the institution can concentrate on its responsibilities instead of remaining affected by unresolved disagreements.

The government is expected to balance the need for proper oversight with the importance of allowing independent institutions to carry out their legal mandates.

Farmers believe that independence should not mean the absence of accountability. Instead, they want a board that can make professional decisions while remaining answerable to the law and the farmers it is established to serve.The Future of Sugarcane Farming in Nandi County

The future of sugarcane farming in Nandi County will depend on several factors, including reliable markets, access to milling facilities, fair prices, timely payments and effective agricultural policies.

Farmers believe that strengthening the Kenya Sugar Board would be an important step towards addressing some of the longstanding challenges affecting the industry.

They want the board to have the capacity to protect growers against unfair practices and ensure that sugarcane farming remains economically beneficial.

They also want the government to support the development of local sugar factories, improve rural roads and strengthen agricultural extension services.Such improvements would help farmers transport harvested cane more efficiently, reduce production challenges and increase the economic benefits of sugarcane farming.

For young people in Nandi County, a stronger sugar industry could also create employment opportunities in farming, transportation, processing and other related businesses.

The proposed strengthening of farmer cooperatives would further help growers organise themselves and participate more effectively in decisions affecting their livelihoods.