Sugarcane farmers have threatened to stop supplying canes to the factories until the prices are reviewed.
The farmers want the factories to increase their payments to a minimum of Sh3000 per tonne deliverd, as compared to the current payment which is between Sh2,800 and Sh3,000 per tonne.
Led by the Secretary general Kenya Sugarcane Growers' Association Richard Ogendo, the farmers gave the factories a two weeks' notice to review the prices upwards or they stop supplying the crop.
“we need the companies to know that this is our stand and if they are not goint to listen to us, then we will stop supplying them with the canes,” said Ogendo.
Ogendo said sugar prices have improved lately and they deserve to be given better pay compared to the past where the companies were going through difficult times.
He said through good pay they can purchase needed farm inputs to scale up their production.
This comes as three major companies including Mumias, West Kenya and Kibos and Allied Companies have shut their operations for maintenance.
Industry players however attribute the rise in sugar prices to closure of the mills as well as concerted efforts by the government to tame illegal imports.