Farmers halt Sugar Board strategy forum, cite exclusion and rushed process

Sugarcane farmers from western Kenya forced the suspension of a Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) forum meant to validate its Draft Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, accusing the Board of sidelining farmers and fast-tracking the process.

The meeting, scheduled to take place in Kisumu and attended by KSB Chairperson Eng. Nicholas Gumbo and Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire, was halted after farmers protested what they described as poor consultation and inadequate notice

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Kisumu Sugar Belt Union chairperson Zedekiah Otene, speaking on behalf of the farmers, said the forum had been organised without meaningful engagement, noting that invitations were issued late and to a limited number of participants.

“The process was rushed and selective. Farmers were not given sufficient time to prepare or contribute, which undermines transparency and inclusivity,” Otene said.

He added that the sugar sector continues to grapple with longstanding structural challenges that require broad-based dialogue rather than hurried meetings aimed at endorsing pre-made decisions.

Farmers also faulted governance gaps at the Kenya Sugar Board, particularly the absence of elected farmer representatives due to prolonged court battles.

Wellington Omondi, a cane farmer from the Kibos area, said the legal disputes have effectively locked farmers out of critical decision-making forums.

“As farmers, we currently have no representation on the Board because elections are stuck in court. Before discussing strategic plans, there must be clarity on how these cases will be resolved,” Omondi said.

Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (KNFSF) Secretary-General Kilion Osur said the draft strategic plan should first be shared widely to allow farmers time to scrutinise and discuss it at the grassroots.

“A document cannot be validated before farmers understand its contents. It should be circulated, debated locally, and only then brought back for validation,” Osur said.

In response, KSB Chairperson Eng. Gumbo said the Board had agreed to suspend the exercise in respect of the farmers’ concerns.

“We acknowledge the issues raised by farmers. Any process affecting them must be participatory and inclusive,” Gumbo said.

He noted that ongoing court cases have slowed reforms within the sugar industry, posing challenges to the implementation of government programmes.

KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire said the Board would reschedule the validation forum while working to balance stakeholder engagement with government timelines.

“We remain committed to engaging farmers meaningfully, even as we work within set timelines,” Chesire said.