Kenya prohibits the importation of sugar from countries outside the EAC and Comesa trade blocs

Citing an increase in local production, Kenya on Tuesday prohibited sugar imports from regions outside the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the East African Community (EAC).

In a statement issued in Nairobi, Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Andrew Karanja, stated that local sugar production has improved. The country is anticipated to produce over 800,000 metric tonnes this year.

Thus, Karanja stated that the government had not extended the import window for sugar from nations outside the Comesa and EAC trading blocs.

He observed that Kenya has produced approximately 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually from 16 factories over the past four years, with production reaching a zenith of approximately 800,000 metric tons in 2022.

Karanja noted that 2023 was an unusual year, commencing with a severe drought that resulted in a decrease in sugar output, which required substantial imports to address the supply gap.

He stated that the average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tonnes, with the deficiency being compensated for by imports from Comesa and EAC countries in accordance with the current trade protocols.

He stated that the country temporarily permitted sugar imports from regions other than these to safeguard consumers from exorbitant prices. He also mentioned that sugar safeguards are presently in place to facilitate imports from Comesa and EAC, but they are scheduled to expire in February 2025.

Karanja also underscored that Kenya has deployed security agencies to assist in the prevention of illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders and is dedicated to upholding the free trade protocols specified in existing treaties.

The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization of eight associate states, while the Comesa is a regional economic community in Africa with 21 member states.