Sugarcane farmers will earn more for their produce starting July 21, 2025, after the government raised the official price of cane from Ksh 5,500 to Ksh 5,750 per tonne. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the increase of prices following a meeting of the Interim Committee on July 17. The decision was based on a review of sugar prices between April and June this year. “Having considered the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three months, the Committee approved an increase in the price of cane,” CS Kagwe said in a public statement. “This move is effective immediately.”
The price adjustment aims to increase farmers’ earnings and providing financial relief as the country heads into the main harvesting period. The ministry of agriculture described the decision as part of broader efforts to stabilize the agricultural economy and reward growers fairly for the sugarcane farming sector. “With enhanced returns at stake, growers can now walk into their local banks with a bigger smile and a stronger bargaining position,” agriculture cabinet secretary Kagwe said.
The Ministry of Agriculture has directed all sugar millers to implement the revised rate and ensure timely payment to farmers. Late payments and price violations by factories have been recurring concerns, especially among smallholder growers who rely on sugarcane as a primary source of income.
Sugarcane farmers welcomed the price increase following concert at a critical time when sugarcane production faces challenges from high input costs and changing weather patterns.
The revised rate upward is expected to cushion farmers and help stabilize sugarcane supply to milling factories, many of which have struggled to maintain processing levels due to supply gaps.
The price change follows growing calls from farming communities for more responsive pricing that reflects current market realities and production costs. The Ministry pledged to continue monitoring the sector and promised further interventions to support the sustainability of the sugar industry.
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