Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals implicated in the importation and repackaging of industrial sugar for sale in the local market.
Owalo warned that the malpractice is crippling the sugar sector and exposing consumers to potential health risks.
Speaking at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) headquarters in Nyang’ori, Owalo said it was unacceptable for players entrusted with managing sugar companies to engage in what he termed ‘economic sabotage’ for quick profit.
His remarks come in the wake of reports highlighting how some millers and traders are importing duty-free industrial sugar meant for manufacturing purposes and diverting it into the retail market for direct household consumption.
“If it is established that certain individuals are importing industrial sugar and repackaging it for sale to consumers, then they must face the full force of the law. That is outright criminality,” said Owalo.
He noted that the alleged practice not only undermines regulatory frameworks but also places local cane farmers at a disadvantage, as it distorts the market by flooding it with cheaper, unregulated imports.
Owalo pointed to the plight of farmers in key sugar belts across Western Kenya and Nyanza—including Mumias, Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony and Muhoroni saying many continue to suffer from delayed payments, low returns, and inefficiencies in milling operations.
“We must protect our farmers by ensuring that sugar factories operate efficiently and that farmers are paid promptly upon delivery of cane. That is how we rebuild confidence in the sector,” he said.
According to the former ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS), the problem facing the sugar industry is not a lack of policy or legislation, but weak enforcement and deliberate circumvention of existing laws.
He cited the regulatory mandate of the Kenya Sugar Board, noting that frameworks governing sugar importation and distribution are already in place but are routinely ignored.
“We have the laws, we have the policies, we have the regulations. What is happening is that individuals are conveniently bypassing them for personal gain at the expense of millions of Kenyans,” he said.
Owalo called for thorough, independent investigations into the allegations, urging enforcement agencies to establish the extent of the malpractice and hold those responsible accountable.
He warned that the continued inflow of improperly regulated sugar could have far-reaching consequences, including the collapse of local industries and potential health risks to consumers due to lack of proper quality controls.
Beyond enforcement, Owalo emphasised the need for structural reforms within the sugar sector, including improved governance of milling companies and stricter oversight of importation processes.
“The survival of our sugar industry depends on restoring integrity in its management. We cannot allow cartels to dictate the future of a sector that supports thousands of households,” he said.
Owalo’s sentiments echo growing concern over the state of the sugar sector, which has for years grappled with mismanagement, debt, and competition from cheap imports, leaving farmers increasingly vulnerable.
He added that reviving the sugar industry would be a priority under his administration, anchored on farmer protection, operational efficiency in factories, and strict enforcement of regulations to curb illegal imports.
“We must act decisively. This is about protecting livelihoods, safeguarding consumers, and restoring order in a critical sector of our economy,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
