The Kenya Sugar Board has held a meeting with sugarcane farmers from Kwale County to listen to their grievances following the closure of Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KiSCOL).
The meeting took place at Kids Care Hall in Lunga Lunga, providing farmers with an opportunity to outline the challenges they have faced since the sugar factory ceased operations.
KiSCOL had played a significant role in supporting sugarcane farming in the region by providing farmers with a market for their produce.
Its closure has raised concerns among farmers over the future of their farming activities, particularly the sale of mature sugarcane and the sustainability of their livelihoods.
During the engagement, farmers are expected to present their complaints to the Kenya Sugar Board as they seek solutions to the challenges arising from the factory’s shutdown.
The meeting is expected to help identify possible interventions to restore farmers’ confidence and strengthen sugarcane farming in Kwale County.
Farmers are hopeful that the discussions will lead to practical measures to address their concerns and revive the local sugarcane sector.
However, details of specific resolutions or timelines for reopening the factory had not been provided in the information available.
The closure of KiSCOL has placed renewed focus on the need for sustainable markets and support systems for sugarcane farmers in Kenya’s coastal region.
