Nyong'o, Lusaka call for action towards reviving sugar sector

By Peter Ochieng

The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) top leadership is calling for action driven push towards reviving the ailing sugar sector in the country.

Speaking during the inaugural LREB sugar conference at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega county on Friday, Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o said enough meetings have been held, and the time to act is now.

Nyong'o who doubles up as LREB chairman said the national government should listen to LREB leaders, and effectively act on their recommendations.

LREB brings together 14 counties and commands a population of over 14 million people.

"I am happy because from here, we should not continue holding meeting after meeting to the point of them becoming talking shops. The government should finally listen to us because we are 14 million population in LREB speaking one voice for reviving the sugar sector," said Nyong'o.

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka who doubles up as Nyong'o's deputy at LREB, on his part called for proper working leadership structures, in a bid to resuscitate the ailing sugar sector.

The former Senate Speaker noted that the problems bedeviling sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry in general, can be solved through stiff regulatory frameworks, and well defined administrative structures.

"The gains and pains of the sugar industry in the country starts and stops at leadership. We need to set up management standards to enhance accountability and operations," he added.

The conference host, Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa said sugar industry in the country is limping because of what he termed as conflict of interest, where for example, one person is both the miller and an impoter.

"Sugarcane farmers need and deserve a conflict free industry."

The 14 counties that make up LREB are: Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.

A big chunk of leaders who addressed the conference, among them National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula backed president William Ruto's recent 'Mambo ni Matatu' remark.

The Head of State said cartels in the sugar industry have three options; 'be jailed, leave the country or go to heaven.'