Jude Chesire, CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board, has been unanimously elected as Chairman of the International Sugar Organization for 2026. This marks the first time a Kenyan and an African has held the position. His election coincides with increased African representation in the global body.
On November 26, 2025, Jude Chesire, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Sugar Board, was unanimously chosen as Chairman of the Council of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) for the year 2026. The ISO, based in London and linked to the World Trade Organization, serves as the primary global authority on sugar matters. Chesire succeeds Edgar Herrera from Costa Rica, amid Africa's growing role as a key sugar producer and exporter.
This election highlights a milestone for African involvement, with Ivory Coast's Ambassador Ali Touré also unanimously selected as Vice Chairman—the strongest African presence in the organization's history. In his new role, Chesire will lead the search for a successor to Executive Director Jose Orive of Guatemala, whose 13-year term concludes in December 2026. He will also guide the revision of the ISO Constitution and influence worldwide sugar trade policies.
Chesire's background includes significant achievements at the Kenya Sugar Board. Under Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, he facilitated the leasing of four state-owned sugar mills—Sony, Muhoroni, Chemelil, and Nzoia—to private operators. Sugar production rose by 76 percent during his tenure. The sector now provides 250,000 direct jobs and sustains nearly 6 million livelihoods. Cane prices increased from KES 4,350 to KES 5,750 per tonne, and 47,123 hectares of new cane plantations were established.