Government writes off Nzoia Sugar's Sh50 billion debt

By Peter Ochieng

The government has written off debts amounting to Sh50 billion owed by Nzoia sugar company.

President William Ruto made the announcement on Monday, during a visit to the company in Kanduyi, Bungoma county.

The Head of State said the decision was informed by a bid to turn around the sugar miller's fortunes, so as to bring it back to the good old days of productivity and profitability.

He however said the decision goes hand in hand with an overhaul of the company's management, which he blamed for being behind woes facing the miller.

"We must get it right this time round. We can't be injecting billions that end up in the drain. Nzoia needs new management. That we shall do," asserted the president.

"As we write off the burdening debts, we are going to bring in new machines," he added.

Bungoma governor Kennethh Lusaka said with the president's timely push, Nzoia will roar back to life.

"I want to thank president Ruto for his timely visit and bag of goodies for our people. This is just the beginning of our legacy. Expect maximum service delivery."

Earlier, the Head of State launched the Sh500 million Bungoma County Aggregated Industrial Park at Sang'alo, Kanduyi Sub County, and announced the upgrade of Sang'alo Institute to National Polytechnic status.

"After a thorough assessment of the learning Institute by the relevant education body, I am happy to announce that Sang'alo has met all the requirements, therefore fit to be a National Polytechnic," he said.

The president further pledged to construct new modern markets in Webuye, Bukembe, Naitiri, Chwele, Mateka, Cheptais, Malakisi and Chebukube, and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) hubs in all the 45 wards of Bungoma county.

"We have captured all the required projects to make Bungoma great. I have instructed all my relevant ministers to effect this immediately."

The Head of State will be in the neighbouring Kakamega county on Tuesday.