Sugar prices on a wild ride; Kenya’s market swings while neighbors stabilize

While sugar prices across much of East Africa have begun to stabilize, Kenya’s market continues to experience erratic fluctuations, leaving consumers and producers alike in a state of uncertainty. The volatile situation has been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased domestic production, regional supply and demand dynamics, and government policies. Despite a recent surge in sugar production within Kenya, prices have remained stubbornly high. This discrepancy can be partly explained by the influx of smuggled sugar from neighbouring countries, which has distorted the domestic market. While the government has taken steps to curb smuggling, the challenge persists. Regional factors have also played a role in Kenya’s sugar price volatility. While prices in countries like Uganda and Tanzania have shown signs of stabilization, Kenya’s market has remained more susceptible to fluctuations. This could be due to a combination of factors, including differences in ...