By Titus Too
A multinational company that recently wound up its operations in Eldoret may get a new lease of life if plans to allow farmers to buy its shares succeed.
Corn Products Company (CPC) stopped operations recently citing losses.
Several employees were advised to seek alternative employment since the firm is relocating from the country.
However, directors of the firm have agreed to hold a meeting with local farmers and Government officials on future prospects.
partner in ownership
The meeting comes at a time when farmers and lobby groups have expressed concern over middlemen, who have already taken advantage to exploit them.
Some farmers in Rift Valley have switched from maize to other crops like passion fruits due to low yields and exploitation.
Plans are underway for directors to meet farmers in Eldoret next week to deliberate buying of shares, among other issues, to enable farmers partner in ownership.
CPC, apart from creating employment, has been manufacturing products from maize making it a dependable buyer of maize.
“The firm used to buy about 700,000 90kg bags of maize per year. This was a huge market for farmers that National Cereals and Produce Board cannot equal,” said Kipkorir Menjo, a Kenya Farmers Association director.
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