Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has raised fresh concerns over Kenya’s sugar sector. He claims that imported sugar is undermining local production. He says farmers in Western Kenya and Nyanza are being put at risk.

Fake Imported Sugar in Kenya Questioned

Muturi spoke during a public engagement in Naitiri, Bungoma County, on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He questioned the importation and handling of sugar consignments entering the country through Mombasa. He said these consignments are later processed in local factories.

He said Kenya continues to import sugar from countries such as Mauritius and Brazil. This is happening even as local cane farmers struggle to find reliable markets for their harvest.

“Nataka niwaulize jambo moja. Mtu anaitwa …, anaenda analetwa sukari kutoka Mauritius na kutoka Brazil. Inaletwa pale Mombasa. Inakaa mpaka inaoza,” Muturi said.

He added that even when the sugar is old or degraded, it still enters the local supply chain through processing channels. “Lakini hata kama imeoza, inatolewa pale inaletwa kwa kiwanda cha hapa Kisimu kinaitwa …,” he said.

Muturi argued that such practices hurt local cane farmers. These farmers depend on a stable market for their produce. When fake imported sugar in Kenya floods the market, local sugar prices drop. Farmers are left with unsold cane and mounting debts.

Claims of Sugar Repackaging in Kisumu

Muturi’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate. A recent media investigation into Kenya’s sugar supply chain made serious claims. The investigation claimed that industrial-grade raw sugar imported through Mombasa is diverted into local processing. It is later repackaged for household consumption.

According to the report, large shipments of raw cane sugar are brought into the country under industrial classification. This classification attracts lower taxes compared to refined sugar meant for direct human consumption. The difference in tax is significant.

The report further claimed that once the sugar arrives, it is repackaged and distributed through local markets. This happens after minimal processing in facilities linked to a sugar complex in Kisumu. The whole operation is systematic.

Industry insiders quoted in the report claimed that the practice has become widespread. “Raw sugar is imported at a lower cost under industrial classification, avoiding higher taxes applied to refined sugar. Once it arrives, it is bagged, rebranded, and distributed into wholesale markets,” one source claimed.

The report also raised food safety concerns. Industrial sugar may contain impurities and residues not intended for direct consumption. Consuming such sugar could pose health risks to unsuspecting Kenyans.

The fake imported sugar in Kenya issue is not new. Farmers have complained for years about cheap imports flooding the market during harvesting seasons. These imports reduce demand for locally grown cane. Farmers are forced to accept low prices or watch their cane rot in the fields.

Concerns for Western Kenya Cane Farmers

Muturi linked the sugar importation practices to the struggles faced by sugarcane farmers in Western Kenya and parts of Nyanza. He said local farmers continue to suffer delayed payments, poor cane prices, and limited access to milling opportunities. This is happening even as imported sugar dominates the market.

Farmers in the region have long complained about cheap imports. These imports arrive just when local harvesting is at its peak. The timing seems designed to hurt local farmers.

Muturi suggested that if Kenya continues relying heavily on imported sugar, local agriculture will collapse. Farmers will abandon sugarcane farming. Jobs will be lost. Rural economies will suffer. The country will become even more dependent on foreign food.

His remarks echoed wider concerns among stakeholders in the sugar belt. These stakeholders argue that inconsistent government policy and weak enforcement have destabilised the sector. They say the government talks about protecting farmers but does little to stop illegal imports.

Regulatory Gaps and Industry Response

The media investigation also raised questions about regulation within the sugar sector. It claimed gaps in oversight from relevant agencies responsible for import approvals and quality control. These agencies seem unable or unwilling to stop the flow of fake imported sugar in Kenya.

The report claimed that some shipments enter the country without clear authorisation. Enforcement bodies have limited capacity to track distribution once sugar leaves the port. The system is broken.

However, officials quoted in the report denied approving any questionable sugar imports this year. They said institutional challenges and incomplete boards have affected decision-making processes. Some agencies lack permanent leadership.

Customs authorities were also said to be reviewing certain consignments flagged for possible misclassification and tax discrepancies. The government is losing millions in taxes when sugar classified for industrial use is diverted to household consumption.

The report claimed that if sugar classified for industrial use is later diverted for household consumption, it could trigger major tax losses for the state. It could also raise serious public health concerns. Kenyans deserve to know what they are eating.

The fake imported sugar in Kenya saga continues. Farmers are hurting. Consumers are at risk. The government must act. Investigations must be completed. Those responsible must be prosecuted. The law must be enforced. Kenya’s sugar sector cannot afford more empty promises. Farmers cannot wait. The harvest season is coming. The truth must come out. Justice must be served.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fake-Imported-Sugar-in-Kenya-Questioned--1024x683.jpeghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fake-Imported-Sugar-in-Kenya-Questioned--150x150.jpegFarmersTrendFarming NewsFormer National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has raised fresh concerns over Kenya's sugar sector. He claims that imported sugar is undermining local production. He says farmers in Western Kenya and Nyanza are being put at risk.Muturi spoke during a public engagement in Naitiri, Bungoma County, on Sunday, June 14,...New Generation Culture in Agriculture