By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, June 29, 2026 - The Department of Weights and Measures has completed the initial verification of its custody transfer flowmeter measurement systems at the new processing plant in Kericho, bringing the factory closer to the commencement of operations.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Trade said that the verification at the company, which is located in Sion, has paved the way for its licensing process. The company will deal with sugarcane products.
The verified flowmeter systems are expected to ensure accurate and legally traceable measurement of the company's products, a vital requirement for the computation of excise duty and regulatory compliance.
The ministry is optimistic that the new factory will be fundamental in converting molasses into Extra Neutral Spirit (ENA) and Industrial Spirit (IS), supporting tax compliance, industrial growth, job creation, and expanded markets for sugarcane farmers.
“The Department of Weights and Measures has successfully completed the initial verification of custody transfer flowmeter measurement systems at West Valley Distillers Limited in Soin, Kericho County,” the ministry confirmed.
“The verified systems will provide accurate and legally traceable measurement for excise duty computation, paving the way for the factory's licensing and commencement of operations,” it added.
The development comes at a time when the government is aiming at maximising every component of sugarcane to produce sugar, electricity, ethanol, and other industrial products.
Last week, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that the government is pushing to transform the sugar industry into a major producer of electricity and biofuel, with sugar factories set to supply power to the national grid.
Speaking during a visit to West Valley Sugar Company, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is engaging the Ministry of Energy to establish frameworks that will enable sugar factories to sell electricity generated from bagasse, a by-product of sugar processing, to the national grid.
Kagwe added that the government will introduce policy and fiscal incentives to encourage millers to invest in ethanol distillation plants and other value-added projects.
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