Sugar industry in Kenya supports livelihood of 25% of the population both directly and indirectly. The industry accounts for about 15% of Agricultural Gross Domestic Product and is a major employer for most households in Western Kenya. Sugarcane outputs in Kenya have been on the decline from a modest 73 tons to 55 tons per hectare between the years 2009 and 2014. This decline has attracted researchers to this area of study; however, most studies have mainly focused on agricultural determinants without regard to the socio and economic determinants of cane production. This study therefore sought to establish socio-economic determinants of Sugarcane production among small scale farmers in Nyando Sugar Belt. The study was anchored on Production Theory and a total of 375 cane farmers responded to the questionnaires used to collect primary data. Secondary data were from farmers’ records. Reliability of the research instruments were ascertained through test-retest method. Multiple regression was used to ascertain the direction and magnitude of influences of the study variables on cane output. The study revealed that variable input costs (land preparation β=0.455 at p-value=0.000, fertilizer application cost β =0.168 at p-value=0.000, weeding and weed control cost β=0.398 at p-value=0.000 and seed cane and planting cost β=0.479 at p-value=0.000) had significant positive effect on cane output. Gender was also found to have a significant effect on cane output at β=0.093 and p-value=0.010. It is recommended that more investments be made on land preparation, fertilizer application, weeding and weed control and seed cane and planting to improve cane output. The study also recommends for interventions targeting female headed households to enhance cane output.

KEY WORDS: Socio-economic, Sugarcane, Production, Kenya