KISUMU, DECEMBER 6 — The 2024 Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium and Expo concluded with a strong focus on youth-driven innovations, transformative technologies, and sustainable practices in the sugar industry. The event, held in Kisumu, brought together stakeholders, including regulators, industry experts, innovators, and international partners, under the theme of youth engagement and sectoral transformation.
Innovations Steal the Show
Acting CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board, Jude Chesire, emphasized the critical role of youth and technology in reshaping the sugar industry.
“This symposium provides a platform for young innovators to present solutions that can address challenges in the sugar value chain. From AI to drone technology, we’re seeing transformative ideas that will streamline operations such as farmer identification, cane census, and data collection,” said Chesire.
One standout innovation, the Miwa Bora App, provides real-time industry insights, including weather patterns, fertilizer usage, and market prices.
“Even my director or the Cabinet Secretary doesn’t need a report from me—they can access all the data through this app,” Chesire added.
GIZ Support and Global Recognition
The symposium received support from the German development agency GIZ, whose ProSilience Project Manager, David Kersting, commended the event’s focus on sustainability and innovation. Additionally, Chesire announced Kenya’s historic election as Vice Chair of the International Sugar Organization, marking the first time Africa has held this position.
“It’s humbling to see global recognition for Kenya’s efforts. This milestone underscores our commitment to the global sugar agenda,” Chesire stated.
A New Era for Sugar Governance
Hon. Samuel Ong’ou, AFA Director, highlighted how the sector’s adoption of technology is shifting from manual methods to digital efficiencies. “Drones and innovative data collection methods will revolutionize how we monitor and manage sugarcane farming, overcoming challenges such as poor roads,” Ong’ou said.
The sector also celebrated the recent enactment of the Kenya Sugar Act 2024, signed by President William Ruto. The Act re-establishes the Kenya Sugar Board, now including significant farmer representation.
“This law provides a governance framework that ensures stakeholders, particularly farmers, have a say in decision-making,” Chesire noted.
Sustainability and Beyond
The symposium spotlighted Kibos Sugar, a local miller leveraging by-products to produce ethanol, biogas, and eco-friendly disposable items. Chesire urged more millers to adopt such sustainable practices, drawing comparisons to Brazil’s ethanol innovations.
Youth and Future Growth
Recognizing the sector’s aging farmer demographic, the symposium incentivized youth participation with cash prizes for innovative ideas. Winners included developers of solutions aimed at improving transport, technology use, and product diversification.
With Kenya now producing over 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually and reducing imports, the event underscored the sector’s recovery and growth.
“This is a pivotal moment for the sugar industry, with innovation driving sustainability and competitiveness,” Chesire concluded.
The symposium, supported by stakeholders including GIZ, affirmed Kenya’s commitment to revitalizing the sugar industry as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and youth inclusion.
