Migori County Sugarcane Farmers Urged to Elect Integrity-Driven Leaders to Sugar Board

Bishop Peter Midodo Speaking at the ordination of a regional bishop in South Nyanza, Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) South Nyanza representative./photo courtesy/

Sugarcane farmers have been encouraged to choose ethical and knowledgeable representatives for the Kenya Sugar Board to safeguard their interests.

Speaking at the ordination of a regional bishop in South Nyanza, Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) South Nyanza representative, Bishop Peter Midodo, emphasised that sugarcane farming is a key economic activity in the region. He stressed that only through proper representation can farmers fully benefit from the industry.

Midodo noted that reviving the Kenya Sugar Board would allow farmers to elect board directors who would champion their socio-economic concerns.

“These board members hold crucial positions alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, where they formulate policies affecting sugarcane farming. It is, therefore, essential that farmers elect individuals of integrity who understand the sector and can effectively voice their concerns,” he said.

The Kenya Sugar Board has released a draft notice detailing the election process for miller representatives, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with the Sugar Act No. 11 of 2024.

Key aspects of the draft include an eleven-member Election Committee, eligibility criteria, voting procedures, and a complaints resolution mechanism. Additionally, the board has issued guidelines for the 2025 Grower Representative Elections to guarantee a democratic and transparent selection process.

The Sugar Act, enacted in November 2024, has received backing from major private sugar millers. Championed by President William Ruto’s administration, the law aims to address industry challenges such as declining productivity, an influx of cheap imports, and outdated policies.

Bishop Midodo also lauded President Ruto for initiatives supporting sugarcane farmers, including the provision of bonuses, which he described as a significant boost to the sector.