In an effort to support the country’s manufacturing sector, the Kenyan government has permitted ten companies to import a total of 208,600 tonnes of sugar for industrial use. The approval falls under the East African Community (EAC) duty remission scheme, which allows eligible firms to pay lower import taxes.
The EAC duty remission program enables companies to import raw materials at a concessional duty rate of 10%, down from the usual 25%, as long as the sugar is strictly used for industrial purposes. The goal is to make local production more competitive by cutting down input costs.
The ten companies granted approval are:
Mombasa Sugar Refinery
Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya
Equator Bottlers
Trufoods Limited
Jetlak Foods Limited
Devyani Food Industries
Kenafric Beverages
Bidco Africa
Njoro Canning Factory
Al-Mahra Industries
These companies plan to use the sugar in a range of food and beverage products. Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya and Equator Bottlers will use it in making sodas and juices. Bidco Africa, Kenafric Beverages, and Trufoods will include the sugar in items such as sauces and jams.
The approval comes with clear conditions. All companies must be registered with the Sugar Directorate and are required to use the imported sugar solely for manufacturing purposes.
Experts believe this decision could help lower production costs and stabilize prices for many everyday items that rely on sugar. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to strengthen local industries and reduce the need to import finished products from abroad.
