Call to waive debts owed by Mumias Sugar Company

Butere,

Sunday, October 8, 2023

KNA by John Ochanda

Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has asked the national government to write off the debts owed by the Mumias Sugar Company for sustainable development in the region.

The Governor said the residents depended on the sugar mill way back, when it was functioning at its optimal.

“Our people depended on the company for their livelihoods and as a champion of the sugar sector in the lake region economic bloc the debts should be written off,” said Barasa.          

The governor said the company has debts accumulating to about Shs.33 billion, which he said should be cleared to pave the way for its restoration.           

“Mumias Sugar Company deserves the same debt write-off from the National Government just like other five millers,” he observed.

The Governor said the memorandum presented before the cabinet excluded Mumias Sugar, but included other five sugar companies hence the impasse.

He said during the sugar conference of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Counties, they presented a memorandum showing the need for new management at the company.

Barasa said the government should invest in key developments with lasting solutions for the benefit of its citizenry.

He also called on the MPs to support the current sugar bill that is before the Parliament and ensure it is in the interest of Kenyans.

He said sugar cane farmers will benefit from the revival of the millers and create more jobs for the youth who are unemployed.

The county boss spoke Saturday at the funeral of the late Julius Mumia Nabongo in Marinda village, Mayoni Ward, Matungu Sub-county.

The governor reassured the locals that Mumias Sugar Company would find an investor dedicated to farmers' interests.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and area MCA Fredrick Watitwa along with his assembly colleagues were also in attendance.

Courtesy; KNA