Written by Nicholas  Waitathu | From Standard Media

A technical team from the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism last week held a meeting with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( Comesa) Secretariat over the progress of the local sugar industry. 

The team led by Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie met with the Comesa officials on Friday in Lusaka, Zambia to address a number of issues on the sector. 

The meeting just about three weeks away before the expiry of the trade safeguards granted to Kenya for the last one decade explains the Government commitment to lobby for a one-year extension as it pursues privatisation local sugar mills.

The five State-owned factories to be privatised include Nzoia Sugar Company, Sony Sugar Company, Chemelil Sugar Company, Muhoroni Sugar Company and Miwani. The protection Kenya has been enjoying since 2004 is expiring on February 28, 2014 after which sugar from other countries in the region will be allowed into the local market. 

Read more at Standard Media