NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 24 – Muwariziki Sugar Millers Limited plans to establish a Sh1.5 billion ($11.52 million) sugar factory in Rangwe Sub-County, Homabay County.
The project includes installing a 1250 TCD (expandable to 1500 TCD) sugar mill, a 20 KLPD ethanol distillery, and a 3 MW captive power cogeneration plant.
According to an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) submitted to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the factory will produce mill brown sugar, ethanol, bagasse, and molasses, with filter mud and boiler ash as additional by-products.
The ESIA report notes that bagasse will be utilized in the cogeneration plant and ethanol distillery, with any surplus potentially used to produce paper or chipboard, presenting opportunities for industrial expansion.
The factory’s establishment aligns with government efforts to revive Kenya’s sugar industry, which has faced closures due to high operational costs. Recent policies, including the Sugar Bill of 2019 and the revival of the Sugar Development Levy, aim to strengthen the sector.
“The revival of the Sugar Development Levy is expected to further support cane development and research, both of which are essential for the sustainable growth of the sugar sector,” the report states.
Kenya’s domestic sugar production consistently falls short of demand, necessitating increased production capacity and additional mills in agriculturally rich regions.
The proposed factory will source sugarcane primarily from outgrowers within a 15 km radius of the factory in Rangwe. The initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region while addressing the country’s sugar deficit.
