Sugar production in Kenya dropped by 34% in August as most of the mills remained closed for maintenance due to the non-availability of mature cane.
As per the data released by the Sugar Directorate, the sugar production in August was 46,459 tonnes as against 70,278 tonnes recorded in July.
The Kwale, Soin and OlePito factories have closed operations for maintenance during the review period and the Nzoia and Chemelil mills that were shut in May have resumed operations in August.
The disruption caused by general elections held on August 9 can also be another reason for lower production, said the directorate.
“The national election in August led to the slowdown of the industrial activities including sugar production might be the reason behind the lower sugar output,” said the directorate.
