Sugarcane Farmers Call for Electoral Reforms Ahead of Kenya Sugar Board Elections

Kenya’s sugarcane farmers have intensified calls for electoral reforms as the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) elections approach, scheduled for September 5, 2026. The farmers argue that the current two-week notice period is insufficient for them to verify the voters’ register, assess candidates, and prepare adequately for the vote.

On August 19, a delegation led by lawyer Joseph Makokha submitted a petition to the KSB election board at its Kisumu office, demanding that the voters’ register be prominently displayed at all polling stations before election day. This, they say, will enhance transparency and allow farmers to confirm their registration details, reducing the risk of disputes.

Key Concerns from Farmers

• Short notice period of two weeks for elections
• Need for public display of voters’ register prior to voting
• Ensuring elected representatives genuinely reflect farmers’ interests

Makokha emphasized the importance of a credible electoral process that instills confidence in farmers that their representatives will advocate effectively for their welfare.

Contested Seats Across Regions

The Ministry of Agriculture has shortlisted candidates for five grower-representative positions across Kenya’s sugar-growing catchment areas: Central, Coastal, Lower Western, Southern, and Upper Western.

• Central Catchment: Candidates include Samwel Onyango Ong’ow, Jared Omulo Okowa, Moses Kibet Biegon, Andrew Kipngeno Bett, and Richard Ochieng Ogendo. Ong’ow campaigns on restoring farmers’ influence and improving payments.
• Southern Catchment: John Ole Karaam, Dr. Iscar Atieno Oluoch, Bishop Peter Otieno Midodo, John Masiantet Seini, and Joseph Lenteiyian Ole Kasae vie for the seat, with campaigns focused on representing diverse production and milling arrangements.
• Upper Western Catchment: Wekesa Christopher Sifuna, Ronald Mwenda Inyangala, Nelson Shilunji Taliti, James Mutele Weindaba, and Musa Wangila Makhabila are contenders, emphasizing better returns and stronger farmer-board engagement.
• Lower Western Catchment: Elizabeth Akinyi Apopo, Janet Barasa, Eliud Wafula Maelo, and Billy Wanjala Mukenya compete in a region served by major sugar factories like Mumias and Nzoia.
• Coastal Catchment: Daniel Sila Kitivo represents farmers in the Kwale sugar zone.

Broader Industry Challenges

The elections come amid significant challenges facing Kenya’s sugar sector, including delayed payments, low productivity, and concerns over milling efficiency. Outstanding cane payments worth Sh270 million remain pending budget approval, exacerbating financial strains for farmers who depend on timely proceeds for household and farming expenses.

Farmers’ demand for a transparent and inclusive electoral process reflects their urgent need for representatives who can effectively address these systemic issues. The KSB electoral board has pledged to conduct free and fair elections, which will determine leadership for thousands of growers across the country.