Lusaka submits memorundum on sugar bill

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka has submitted the National Assembly 2022 Sugar Bill memorundum to the Senate for consideration.

He submitted the memorundum in his capacity as chairperson of the agriculture committee in the Council of Governors (COG).

COG through submissions presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries chaired by Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, seeks a review of the National Assembly Sugar Bill, to incorporate the devolved functions of county governments on agriculture, trade and infrastructure.

According to COG, the National Assembly Sugar amended Bill did not factor in the cordinated action and approach in the revitalisation of the ailing sugar industry between the national, county governments and other stakeholders for the benefit of the sugar cane farmers.

Lusaka and his 46 colleagues want the bill reviewed to factor in various ammendments, which include interpretation on licence to align to the provisions of the Bill.

"The county governments are supposed to license millers while the Sugar Board licenses importers and exporters," COG states.

They want the Sugar Board to register and license sugar and jaggery mills, exporters, importers and dealers, and oversee policies, plans and programs of work for the development of the industry.

They insist that county governments should issue sugar cane nursery certificates, register and license sugar and jaggery mills, warehouses and other dealers, except importers and exporters in the county, formulate and implement the county sugar sub sector strategic plan among others.

COG recommends that a person shall not be allowed to operate a sugar mill or jaggery mill, unless he or she is a holder of a current licence issued by the respective county government.

Governor Lusaka noted, "The centrality of devolution in the agriculture sector is something that cannot be wished a way in the revitalization of the sugar industry. It should be emphasided in the Sugar Bill, 2022."