Sony Sugar has launched an ambitious five-year strategic plan (2024-2029) aimed at increasing sugar production and improving farmer welfare. The company plans to expand cane cultivation from 6,100 to 12,100 hectares, emphasizing the crucial role of farmers in Kenya’s sugar industry.
“The focus must shift to the farmers because sugar is not made in factories, it is made in the farms. We want every sugarcane farmer from Migori to Busia and Kwale to benefit from their hard work,” said Nicholas Gumbo, Chairperson of the Kenya Sugar Board.
As part of the strategy, the sugar miller plans to modernize its factory in Awendo, Migori County, ensuring financial stability, enhancing market competitiveness, and strengthening its role in the sugar sector. The company aims to embrace environmental sustainability, technology adoption, and innovation to reduce carbon emissions and implement data-driven decision-making for increased efficiency.
Sony Sugar Managing Director Martine Dima disclosed that the company has completed soil analysis in non-traditional cane-growing areas such as Nyatike, Gem, Rangwe, and Kuria, which have been found suitable for sugarcane cultivation. The expansion is expected to increase cane production from 410,000 metric tonnes annually to 635,000 metric tonnes by 2029, representing a 55% increase in cane deliveries.
The strategic plan will also prioritize regulatory compliance, governance transparency, and risk mitigation to safeguard the company against political interference, corruption, and mismanagement. Ensuring adherence to industry regulations and ethical business practices will be key to the company’s long-term sustainability.
Sony Sugar’s previous five-year plan (2018-2023) faced multiple challenges, including declining sugarcane production, factory inefficiencies, and financial constraints. These setbacks saw production drop from 158,179 tonnes in the 2019/2020 season to 114,572 tonnes in 2020/2021, falling short of the projected targets.
With this new roadmap, Sony Sugar aims to overcome past hurdles and position itself as a leading player in Kenya’s sugar sector. The plan reflects a commitment to empowering farmers, modernizing operations, and ensuring sustainable growth for the company and the sugar industry at large.
