The importation and exportation of sugar is regulated by various laws including the Crops…

Motion text

THAT, aware that, the importation and exportation of sugar is regulated by various laws including the Crops Act and the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013; further aware that, the Agriculture and Food Authority is charged with the responsibility of regulating the importation and exportation of sugar in the country in accordance with the law; noting that, the importation of sugar is also negotiated within the regional trade blocs’ frameworks and agreements to enable the country to meet the demand for sugar; further noting that, individuals or entities are allowed to import sugar provided they obtain the necessary permits and meet the required standards; concerned that, despite these regulations, there have been instances of illegal importation of low quality sugar or adulterated sugar; further concerned that, unscrupulous traders have been found to rebrand the sugar which does not meet the standards of the Kenya Bureau of Standards specifications; deeply concerned that, this poses significant health risk to consumers as well as undermining the efforts to regulate and strengthen the sugar industry to protect local millers; acknowledging that, the country has the potential to produce enough sugar to meet its domestic demand as the sector has been a key driver of economic growth; further acknowledging that there is need for concerted efforts by stakeholders to discourage the branding of sugar by non-millers and promote the development of the local sugar industry; now therefore, this House resolves that the Government through the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry ensures strict operationalization of the regulatory frameworks governing sugar importation into the country.