A director at Mumias Sugar has said the company will remain operational throughout the festive season in a bid to help address the problem of rising sugar shortage.

The company is a leading sugar producer in Kenya. Through its appointed vast network of appointed distributors, the company supplies over 60 per cent of locally consumed sugar.

Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs Ms Pamela Lutta said despite the on-going issue of cane poaching, there is enough raw material to keep the miller going over the Christmas holidays.

"Cases of cane poaching still remain a big issue to the industry because rival companies continue to engage in this," she said.

She however noted that the company had put in place mechanisms to minimise poaching of its cane so as to remain operational.

Mumias Sugar Company has accused rival West Kenya of poaching cane from its contracted farmers in both Mumias and Busia.

The battle over the control of Busia sugar zone between the two firms found its way to the courts as each claim a stake of the county.