'I'm prepared to put my name on the line': Ruto unmoved by critics of sugar company leases

President William Ruto has said that no revisions will be undertaken on the leasing of four sugar mills, accusing a section of leaders of politicising the process.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, the President said he had dismantled what he said were cartels holding the country’s sugar sector hostage, taking pride in reviving the sector. 

However, a recent report has projected a decline in sugar production over the next year due to reduced yields of cane.

"Kuna viongozi wanataka kuweka watu katika umaskini. Unaona mtu anenda kupinga ati factory ya sukari should not be leased," Ruto stated. 

"Some leaders I do not understand. You need to be humane. How do you want people to remain in poverty? I am prepared to put my name on the line because I know we are doing the right thing."

However, the latest report by the US Department of Agriculture projects a dip in local production of sugar for the year 2025/2026. 

The report released in April shows that Kenya will produce an estimated 650,000 metric tonnes, signifying a 19.8% decline compared to 2024.

The dip is attributed to the projected decline in the area of cane harvested due to over-harvesting in 2024, which had been preceded by prolonged drought. The President, however, vowed to steady the ship.

"Hii sukari tumekuwa tuki-import for the last 40 years. This year we imported the least. Next year, pengine by 2027, we will not be importing sugar to Kenya. Already, we have an additional 2,000 acres of land planted under sugarcane," Ruto added. 

Kenya’s annual sugar demand stands at 1.1 million tonnes. In 2024, the country produced 832,000 metric tonnes, covering the deficit through imports.

Kenya’s current safeguard on sugar imports expires in November 2025, prompting the reforms to cushion Kenyans from paying higher prices for the sweetener.