Kenya Sugar Production Surges 56.7% as Prices Drop

Kenya's sugar production has seen a significant increase of 56.7% in the first nine months of 2026, according to data from the Kenya Sugar Board. Local factories produced 690,521 tonnes of sugar between January and September 2026, up from 440,652 tonnes recorded during the corresponding period last year. This increase of 249,869 tonnes has coincided with a reduction in the national average retail price of sugar.

The improved performance in sugar production has led to a decrease in retail prices, with the national average retail price of sugar falling to Sh155 per kilogram in September 2026 from Sh171 in September 2025. This translates to a Sh32 reduction in the equivalent cost of two kilograms of sugar, from Sh342 to Sh310. The decrease in prices offers some relief to households amid pressure on the cost of living.

The growth in local production has also been supported by higher sugarcane deliveries to factories, which processed 7.76 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026. This represents a 56.2% increase from 4.97 million tonnes recorded during the same period last year. The increase in sugarcane deliveries has enabled local factories to produce more sugar, reducing the country's reliance on imports.

Kenya Sugar Board Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire has played a key role in the country's growing international influence in the sugar industry. Chesire has taken on a growing international role, having helped break a leadership deadlock at the International Sugar Organization (ISO). He chairs the Council and initiated consultations among member states to secure consensus on the organization's Executive Director position.

The country's increased sugar production has also led to a decline in sugar imports, which fell by approximately 31% to 251,690 tonnes between January and September 2026. Imports of mill white and brown sugar recorded the sharpest decline, dropping by about 71% to 65,845 tonnes from 226,730 tonnes. However, refined white sugar imports increased to 158,006 tonnes from 137,756 tonnes.

Local millers' cumulative sales also increased by 45.6% to 635,672 tonnes, compared with 436,593 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025. Sugar stocks at the end of September stood at 70,773 tonnes, up from 14,033 tonnes a year earlier. This provides a larger inventory buffer for the country.

Beyond sugar production, Kenya is also exploring opportunities to expand ethanol and biofuel production by tapping into molasses, a by-product of sugar manufacturing. Kenya is seeking to benchmark with established producers, including Brazil, to develop its ethanol industry and create additional value from sugarcane. The country's exports remain relatively modest, with 315.57 tonnes exported between January and September 2026.

Key points

• Kenya's sugar production increased by 56.7% in the first nine months of 2026.
• The country's sugar production surge has led to a decrease in retail prices.
• Kenya is exploring opportunities to expand ethanol and biofuel production by tapping into molasses.