By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 18 April 2026 - It is a sweet victory and long-awaited reprieve for sugarcane farmers after the Kakamega High Court dismissed a petition that had stalled the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) elections in 2025, as outlined under the Sugar Act, 2004.
The ruling effectively clears the way for KSB to proceed with its planned elections and finally constitute the long-awaited board. The elections had been halted following a petition by a farmer who sought an expansion of electoral units, including the creation of a new electoral zone in the western Kenya sugar belt—an argument that was ultimately dismissed by the court.
The petition that led to the Kakamega High Court dispute over the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) elections was filed by sugarcane farmers led by Boniface Masinde.
Masinde and the other petitioners challenged the electoral framework under the Sugar Act, arguing that the existing structure did not fairly represent all growers in the western Kenya sugar belt.
They specifically pushed for the expansion of electoral units and the creation of an additional electoral zone to improve farmer representation.
However, the court dismissed their petition, a decision that effectively cleared the way for KSB elections to proceed and for the long-delayed board to be constituted.
Justice Stephen Mbugi of the Kakamega High Court, dismissed the petition filed by Masinde and other farmers challenging the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) electoral framework asking the board to go ahead with its planned elections.
KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire on Friday lauded the courts decision as bold and good for the farmers.
Chesire said the Board will now move ahead to implement the court’s decision.
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He noted that KSB will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to establish the process and timelines for the elections, which have already suffered significant delays since 2025.
In the meantime, aspirants for KSB positions are now free to resume campaigning unless restrained by further court orders.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director Samwel Ongou, who is eyeing the Nyando sugar belt directorship, welcomed the ruling, describing it as “bold and seismic.” He added that campaigns, which had been on hold, are now back in full swing as candidates reconnect with voters across the sugar-growing regions.
The revival of the KSB directorship marks a major shift for the sector, coming after a decade-long hiatus. Its reinstatement follows farmer-driven reforms under the new Sugar Act, 2024, which aims to strengthen representation and give growers a stronger voice in the industry.
The decision comes at a critical time for Kenya’s sugar sector, which is under scrutiny amid allegations that some millers may have imported excess industrial sugar through questionable deals, flooding the market. These claims are currently under investigation.
Stakeholders now hope that the restored electoral process will bring stability and accountability to the sector as long-standing governance gaps begin to close.