Sugarcane Transport Crisis in Kenya: Farmers Expose Hidden Costs, Fraud and System Failures

Transport is not just a logistics issue in Kenya’s sugar industry. It is the biggest cost driver and one of the main reasons farmers continue to lose value. In this powerful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Paul Orango, farmers, financiers, transporters and industry players confront the hard truth behind sugarcane transport and logistics. From shocking claims that transport costs can reach up to 50 percent, to concerns about manipulated weighbridges, poor road infrastructure and weak governance, this session brings out the real issues affecting the sector. Key highlights include Farmers bearing the full burden of transport costs Weighbridge manipulation and lack of transparency Poor roads and infrastructure driving up costs Governance failures and policy gaps The need for standardization, digitization and accountability Calls for cost sharing between farmers and millers Global lessons on efficient transport systems including rail The discussion also explores practical solutions such as transport aggregation, digital tracking systems, improved regulation and coordinated value chain management. The message is clear. Without fixing transport, the sugar industry cannot become competitive. Watch this discussion to understand the real challenges on the ground and the urgent reforms needed to restore efficiency, fairness and profitability in Kenya’s sugar sector. For inquiries, participation or speaker opportunities Website: sugarinnovation.go.ke Call/WhatsApp: +254 703 802 247 Email: [email protected] #SIISAndExpo25