By KPC Reporter
A sugar import ‘scandal’ has once again reignited concerns over food safety, regulatory failure, and alleged high-level protection of cartels.
Now, the National Integrity Alliance (NIA) is warning that the crisis amounts to a violation of Kenyans’ constitutional rights.
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In a statement released Friday, the coalition said it was “deeply appalled” by revelations that 27,839 metric tonnes of industrial raw sugar, valued at about Sh1.5 billion, were imported into the country under preferential duty terms meant strictly for industrial use—only to allegedly find their way into the consumer market.
The sugar, imported from Durban, South Africa by Mombasa Sugar Refinery Limited, reportedly attracted a reduced 10 per cent import duty reserved for industrial processing.
“What was uncovered is an ongoing scheme in which raw industrial sugar is imported, repackaged as consumer sugar, and sold to unsuspecting Kenyans,” NIA said.
“This appears to be a deliberate pattern of abuse of import regimes for commercial gain at the expense of public safety.”
Consumers Left Exposed
The lobby group warned that ordinary Kenyans are unable to distinguish between industrial-grade sugar and safe, refined table sugar without laboratory testing.
“Kenyan consumers have no means of distinguishing industrial sugar from refined table sugar without laboratory analysis,” the statement read, raising alarm over potential health risks.
NIA argued that the scandal goes beyond economic crime and touches on fundamental rights.
“This trend is not merely a matter of commercial or criminal law—it constitutes violations of constitutionally guaranteed human rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health, safe and adequate food, consumer protection, and human dignity,” the group said.
Claims of High-Level Protection
The alliance further alleged the involvement of a well-coordinated network with links to powerful individuals.
“This opportunistic criminal act was carried out under the authorities’ radar,” NIA stated.
“Multiple credible sources indicate the involvement of a well-organised network with connections at senior levels of government.”
At the heart of the scandal, the group said, is a systemic collapse of oversight institutions.
NIA pointed to the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), re-established under the Sugar Act of 2024, which is currently unable to function effectively due to a lack of quorum following a court injunction issued in November 2023.
“At the time this scandal was unfolding, the key regulatory body for Kenya’s sugar sector was effectively quorum-less and legally paralysed,” the statement noted.
The group also questioned why longstanding structural issues in the sugar sector—particularly a persistent production deficit—have not been resolved, arguing that the gap creates fertile ground for exploitation.
Past Scandals
The current revelations mirror a 2023 incident in which condemned sugar deemed unfit for human consumption was repackaged and sold to the public.
“Not one of the fundamental structural reforms recommended after the 2023 scandal has been effectively implemented,” NIA said.
“The same institutions that failed then have failed again in 2026.”
The alliance issued a raft of demands, including criminal investigations and sweeping regulatory reforms.
“The DCI must immediately commence a criminal investigation into the directors of the implicated companies and all public officials alleged to have protected the sugar cartel,” the group said.
It also called for the suspension of officials in the Ministry of Trade linked to the scandal to allow for independent investigations.
NIA further urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch a formal inquiry into alleged political protection of the sugar firms.
“KEBS officials who negligently approve or fail to act on unsafe products must bear personal liability,” the statement added, calling for stronger enforcement powers for the standards agency.
Additionally, the group demanded an immediate nationwide recall of all sugar linked to the suspect consignment.
The alliance, comprising Transparency International Kenya, Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and the Institute of Social Accountability, says it will continue pushing for accountability under its anti-corruption campaign banner, #RadaNiIntegrity.
