KENYA: Sugar shortage looms as Mumias readies for maintenance
Published: 07/03/2009, 7:23:04 AM
Kenyan supermarkets are already seeing a shortage of retail sugar availability though the country's largest sugar producer, Mumias Sugar, doesn't shut down for annual maintenance until July 13, according to the East African Standard.
Mumias CEO Evans Kidero expects the shortage to get worse in later July and August before normal supplies from his mill return to the market.
"Mumias Sugar closes down for annual maintenance on July 13. There may be a shortage, but the Minister for Agriculture, William Ruto and Permanent Secretary Romano Kiome can explain it better," Kidero said.
Sources said there was a deal to import 30,000 metric tonnes, but the proposal was shot down at the Kenya Sugar Board meeting. KSB regulates imports and exports of sugar.