Kenya’s sugar prices ease after output jump

Kenya’s Sugar Prices Fall After Production Increase

Sugar prices in Kenya are falling following a sharp increase in local production, bringing some relief to households facing rising living costs.

Data from the Kenya Sugar Board shows that the country produced 690,521 tonnes of sugar between January and September 2026. This represents a 56.7 per cent increase compared with the 440,652 tonnes produced during the same period in 2025.

The increase has improved local supplies and helped push retail prices down in shops and supermarkets.

The average retail price of sugar dropped to KSh155 per kilogram in September 2026, compared with KSh171 during the same month last year. This means consumers are spending less when buying sugar for their daily needs.

The higher output was supported by increased sugarcane supplies to local factories. Sugarcane processing rose from 4.97 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2025 to 7.76 million tonnes during the same period this year.

Kenya also reduced its sugar imports by about 31 per cent. The country imported 251,690 tonnes between January and September 2026, down from 364,486 tonnes recorded a year earlier.

For ordinary households, the price reduction could make grocery shopping slightly more affordable. Sugar is a common ingredient in tea, porridge, baking and other everyday meals. Lower prices can help families save money, especially when managing tight food budgets.

Businesses that depend on sugar, including bakeries, restaurants and food manufacturers, may also benefit from improved supplies and lower purchasing costs.

However, the actual savings may vary depending on location and individual retailers.

The development highlights the importance of strengthening local sugar production and reducing dependence on imported supplies. Maintaining consistent factory operations and ensuring farmers have reliable markets for their sugarcane will be important.

For Kenyan consumers, the increase in production offers hope of more stable sugar supplies and continued relief from high food costs.