Kenya has achieved a landmark milestone in the global sugar industry, as Jude Chesire, Acting CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board, was elected Vice Chairman of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council. The historic election, held on November 29, 2024, at Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, marks the first time Kenya and Africa have held such a prestigious position since the ISO’s inception in 1968.
Chesire’s appointment was announced during a council meeting attended by leading sugar industry experts worldwide. Alongside his election, Edga Herrera from Costa Rica was named Chairman of the ISO, succeeding India’s Sanjiv Chopra. Chesire is also set to become Chairman of the ISO Council in 2026, a development that will further elevate Kenya’s and Africa’s standing in the global sugar sector.
The ISO Council, the highest decision-making body in the world sugar industry, comprises 114 member countries, including sugar powerhouses like Brazil, India, the EU, Thailand, South Africa, and Australia. Collectively, these nations produce 165 million tonnes of sugar and hundreds of millions of tonnes of ethanol annually, making the council’s leadership critical in shaping global trade policies, pricing, and sustainability practices.
Chesire’s new role positions Kenya strategically to influence key decisions in the sugar industry, offering a unique platform to advocate for fair pricing, equitable trade policies, and the integration of sustainable practices in sugar and ethanol production. This advancement underscores Kenya’s growing influence on the international stage and provides a voice for Africa in global sugar industry discussions.
Expressing gratitude for his election, Chesire said, “I’m elated and deeply thankful to the ISO Council. This was unexpected, and I thank God for the honor bestowed upon me and my country.”
The Vice Chairman role is pivotal in ISO governance, enabling Chesire to contribute to critical global decisions, enhance Kenya’s sugar industry standing, and ensure market stability by preventing distortions in sugar trade.
This historic achievement is a moment of pride for Kenya and Africa, signaling a new era of influence and leadership in the global sugar industry.
