The Kenyan government has imposed a ban on sugar imports from both East Africa and the global market, raising concerns about its adherence to the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol.

This protocol is designed to facilitate the free movement of capital, labor, goods, and services across partner states by integrating their markets into a single entity.

On August 13, Kenya’s Agriculture Ministry Principal Secretary, Kipronoh Ronoh, instructed the Director General of Agriculture and Food Authority, Bruno Linyiru, to immediately halt sugar imports into the country.

She cited a significant increase in domestic sugar production as the basis for this decision.

“Recent reforms in the sugar industry have led to a notable surge in production. In June and July 2024 alone, Kenya recorded unprecedented monthly averages of 75,500 and 80,500 metric tons of sugar, respectively. This output not only meets local demand but exceeds it by 4,000 metric tons,” Ronoh stated.

He emphasized that in order to maintain this positive trend, it is crucial to protect the domestic industry by suspending sugar imports. “This move is intended to support the growth of our local sugar sector and enhance the earnings of sugarcane farmers. Therefore, all brown/table sugar imports must be stopped, and I expect regular updates on the enforcement of this directive,” Ronoh added.

He also urged relevant agencies to collaborate in cracking down on illegal imports at the borders.

Meanwhile, the decision has sparked concern, particularly among neighboring countries like Uganda, where sugar production is anticipated to rise from 440,000 tons in 2023 to 540,000 tons in 2024.

In the same line, Kenya has previously faced criticism for imposing similar bans on agricultural imports from neighboring countries.

Last year, a ban on maize and poultry products from Uganda led to significant tensions between the two nations, which were only resolved after high-level discussions between the Ugandan and Kenyan Presidents.

This latest move by Kenya could further strain trade relations within the EAC, as it appears to contravene the spirit of regional cooperation and the principles of the Common Market Protocol.