Nzoia Sugar company resumes operations

By Peter Ochieng

Nzoia Sugar factory in Bungoma county has resumed its operations, over three months after sugar milling was suspended in Western and Nyanza by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) over cane shortage.

Addressing factory staff during the resumption of operations ceremony, governor Kenneth Lusaka called for collaborative efforts in quest to stabilize Nzoia Sugar company.

He urged the political class to desist from politicking, on matters pertaining to Nzoia Sugar.

“Nzoia is the pride of our county. Its the engine of our economy and source of livelihoods for many. Let us shun from political comedy and establish a lasting solution to problems facing our cane farmers,” he said.

The implored sugar cane farmers to supply their cane to the factory as it gets back on track.

"As the factory resumes milling, I request that farmers be able to build our production capacity for stability.”

Through joint efforts by local leaders and the county government, the National government has written off Sh117 Billion accrued in debt by state owned sugar millers, among them Nzoia Sugar factory.

Kanduyi MP John Makali said the economy is pegged on the success of the sugar miller.

“President William Ruto asked me a very difficult question. He asked whether I am the MP for Kanduyi or Nzoia? I told him Nzoia is Kanduyi and Kanduyi is Nzoia because if Nzoia doesn’t work to its optimum, the economy of Kanduyi and the entire Bungoma is dead,” said the first term legislature.

“I want to request you members of staff; this is the place where you earn your living. This is the place that makes you take your child to school. This is the place that makes you put food on the table. Let us be patriotic to our company.”

He urged the company’s management to prioritize paying farmers, so that they maintain a steady supply of cane to the factory.

Nzoia Sugar company chairman Alfred Khang’ati was among those in attendance.