Sugarcane farmers in Kenya will go to the polls on November 24 to elect their representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board. The Elections Committee has published the final voters' register, which is now available on the board's website and displayed at designated facilities for growers to verify their details. This move is a crucial step towards the election, allowing farmers to confirm their eligibility to participate in the polls. The election process has been ongoing since May 12, when applications were invited from candidates in respective sugar catchment areas.
The Elections Committee, led by chairperson Harun Khator, has assured that the electoral process will comply with applicable laws and court orders. The committee cited Rule 9(7) of the Procedure for Election of Grower Representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board, 2025, as the basis for publishing the register. Additionally, the process is guided by Section 6 of the Sugar Act, No. 11 of 2024, which outlines the board's membership and the election of grower representatives. The committee has been working to ensure a transparent and fair process.
A total of 283 days and 04 hours and 13 minutes have passed since the process began on May 12. The application period was extended through a notice dated August 7, and on August 20, the committee published the final list of candidates contesting the grower representative positions. Farmers are expected to consult official communications from the committee and use the published register to confirm their eligibility ahead of the election.
The election will determine who represents sugarcane farmers in board deliberations on issues affecting the industry. The Kenya Sugar Board plays a critical role in addressing challenges facing the sugar sector, and the elected representatives will be instrumental in shaping the industry's future. Farmers have been urged to verify their details in the voters' register to ensure they can participate in the election.
The Elections Committee has not specified polling hours or individual polling stations in its October 30 notice. However, growers are expected to access this information through official communications from the committee. The committee has encouraged farmers to verify their eligibility and participate in the election to ensure their voices are heard.
Radio stations, including Classic 105, Kiss 100, Homeboyz Radio, Gukena FM, East FM, Radio Jambo, and X FM, have been advertising the election process and encouraging farmers to participate. The publicity efforts aim to increase awareness and turnout in the election. By electing their representatives, sugarcane farmers will have a stronger voice in shaping the industry's policies and strategies.
The election of grower representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board is a significant milestone in the industry's development. The process has been ongoing for several months, and the November 24 polls will mark a crucial step towards ensuring that farmers have a representative voice in the board's deliberations. The elected representatives will play a vital role in addressing the challenges facing the sugar sector and promoting the interests of sugarcane farmers.
Key points
- The election of grower representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board will take place on November 24, 2026.
- The final voters' register has been published on the board's website and displayed at designated facilities for growers to verify their details.
- The election process has been guided by applicable laws and court orders, including Rule 9(7) of the Procedure for Election of Grower Representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board, 2025.
