Following a decrease in sugar production and imports, prices of sweetener have surged in Kenya. Most sugar brands, which were sold at Sh205 for a two-kilogram packet, have now picked up the price. Now, different outlets are selling it at Sh230.
According to an April report, the Sugar Directorate had placed the price of branded sugar such as Raha, Tumaini, Khetia, Economy, Tuskys, Nutrameal at Sh106 per kilo.
The decline in sugar production was attributed to less production by Chemelil, Nzoia, and other sugar mills. Also, shut down of Mumias and Kwale Sugar Company deteriorate the condition. These factors have resulted in a 12 per cent fall in sugar output.
Kenya has witnessed a hike in sugar imports by 144 per cent in the first four months of the year compared with the same period in 2018.
Recently, Kenya has agreed to increase sugar imports from Uganda from 36,000 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes per year.
