By Reporter
The Acting CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board, Mr Jude Chesire, has made history by being elected Vice Chairman of the Council of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) in London.
Mr Chesire was selected during the Council meeting held on 29 November 2024 at Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London. The meeting was attended by leading global experts in the sugar industry.
This marks the first time that Kenya and Africa have held such a prestigious position since the establishment of the ISO in 1968.
The ISO also elected Mr Edgar Herrera from Costa Rica as Chairman of the organisation, succeeding Mr Sanjiv Chopra from India, who previously held the position.
With this election, Mr Chesire is also poised to become Chairman of the ISO Council in 2026, further solidifying Kenya’s and Africa’s influence in the global sugar sector.
The ISO Council, which serves as the highest decision-making body in the world sugar sector, consists of 114 member countries, including major sugar producers such as Brazil, India, the EU, Thailand, the UK, South Africa, and Australia.
Collectively, these countries produce 165 million tonnes of sugar and hundreds of millions of tonnes of ethanol annually.
This new leadership role provides Kenya and Africa with a unique opportunity to shape the future of the global sugar industry, particularly in making critical decisions on sugar pricing, trade policies, and sustainable practices in sugar and ethanol production.
Mr Chesire’s appointment places Kenya in a strategic position to influence key decisions in the global sugar industry.
His leadership will enable him to contribute to essential deliberations on global sugar prices, helping to prevent market distortions and ensuring better control over the import and export of sugar.
This development significantly enhances Kenya’s influence on the international stage.
“I am elated and deeply grateful to the ISO Council. I never expected this, and I thank God for the honour bestowed upon me and my country,” said Mr Chesire.
The Vice Chairman of the ISO Council plays a critical role in the governance of the International Sugar Organization (ISO).
