Mumias Sugar company to resume operations next month

By Peter Ochieng

Mumias Sugar company in Kakamega County is expected to resume operations next month.

Addressing the press after meeting president William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Saturday, Western leaders led by Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa said they settled on 1st of December, as the date for the company's return to action, so that farmers can start earning from cane farming.

“We’re aware of the Cabinet approval of Ksh.117 billion debts owed by 5 factories, which did not include Mumias Sugar," said governor Fernandes.

"So one of the discussion points that we have agreed with the president is that he’s going to have a specific team to look into the debts of Mumias Sugar, but the most important thing is to ensure that the factory starts operations from December 1 so that farmers are paid once they deliver their sugarcane."

“Today’s meeting focused on Mumias Sugar and we are quite pleased to announce to our people that from next month, they’ll be free to sell their sugarcane to Mumias Sugar, West Kenya, Nzoia etc," added Senator Bonny Khalwale.

The company management had in a notice confirmed that operations will resume on 1st December, with the harvesting and receiving of cane at wheighbridges commencing on Monday, 27th November, 2023.

The Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) and national government suspended milling of sugar across the country on July 13, 2023 up to November 30, 2023, to allow sugar cane to mature.

Besides the issue on the sugar sector, the leaders discussed a ray of matters with the Head of State, including investment by the national and county governments to ensure that Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega meets international standards to enable hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

Other Western development agendas discussed include the completion of Kakamega Level 6 teaching and referral hospital and expansion of Kakamega airport.