By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 6 June 2026 - Thousands of sugarcane farmers across Kenya's sugar-growing regions will have to wait longer for the release of KSh 270 million ($2.1 million) in pending payments after the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) announced that the funds can only be disbursed once the new financial year's budget is approved.
The announcement is likely to deepen frustration among growers who have spent months demanding settlement of long-overdue arrears amid rising production costs and economic hardship.
Speaking amid growing concern from farmers, KSB Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire appealed for patience, assuring growers that the Government remained committed to settling the outstanding balance.
"We ask farmers to remain patient as we await the passage of the budget. The remaining balance stands at Sh270 million. Most of the arrears have already been paid and only a small number of farmers are yet to receive their dues," said Chesire.
His remarks come against the backdrop of mounting anger among cane farmers in Western Kenya, Nyanza and other sugar-producing zones where delayed payments have become a recurring source of tension between growers and sector regulators.
For months, farmers have complained that the delayed release of funds has disrupted household incomes and affected preparations for the next planting season. Many growers argue that timely payment is critical for purchasing farm inputs, servicing loans and sustaining production.
The payment delays have also reignited wider concerns about the long-term sustainability of Kenya's sugar sector, which has historically struggled with inefficiencies, ageing factories and periodic cash-flow challenges.
In recent weeks, farmers' representatives have repeatedly called on authorities to expedite the release of the remaining funds, warning that prolonged delays risk undermining confidence in ongoing reforms within the industry.
However, Chesire sought to calm the growing disquiet, insisting that the bulk of the arrears had already been settled and that only a limited number of beneficiaries remained unpaid.
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According to the KSB boss, the pending payments are tied to budgetary processes that must be completed before the funds can be released. He expressed confidence that once the budget is approved, the outstanding balance would be disbursed without unnecessary delay.
His assurance is expected to offer some relief to affected farmers, although many remain anxious about when exactly the money will reach their accounts.
The issue has become politically sensitive in several sugar-growing counties where leaders have faced increasing pressure from constituents seeking answers over the delayed payments.
Agriculture remains the backbone of many rural economies in Kenya's sugar belt, making any disruption in farmer earnings a matter of significant economic and social concern.
As Parliament and the National Treasury finalise budgetary processes, attention will now shift to whether the promised funds are released within the timelines outlined by the Kenya Sugar Board.
For thousands of cane farmers awaiting payment, the coming weeks could prove decisive. Until then, they remain caught between official assurances and the harsh realities of delayed earnings.
Sugar Farmers Told to Wait as KSh 270 Million Payment Delayed Until Budget Approval
Jude Chesire has appealed for patience, assuring sugarcane farmers that the Government remains committed to settling the outstanding balance.