Governor Barasa touts Sugar Conference

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa speaking at Lwandeti DEB Secondary school in Lugari constituency during a funds drive to construct a multi purpose hall on June 10, 2023. [Courtesy, Kakamega County]

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has rallied political leaders from western Kenya counties to host a sugar conference to address woes in the sector.

Barasa said the conference is due since cane is the backbone of the region's economy.

He said most farmers in the western region depend on the industry for their livelihoods and urgent solutions are required to reverse the dwindling fortunes in the cane industry

"I want to challenge my brothers from western region, we need to have a sugar conference to solve sugar sector issues," he said.

Barasa was speaking during a fundraiser at the Lwandeti DEB Secondary school in Lugari Constituency.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa during a funds drive at Lwandeti DEB Secondary school in Lugari constituency. [Courtesy, Kakamega County]

"Even as we talk about conferences for other cash crops, we all know that most of our counties in the western region depend on sugar production".

On his part, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera who was present called for unity among western region leaders from the two major political sides; Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza.

"If we had not united then Mumias Sugar and Nzoia Sugar companies would have been sold out to private investors,” Nabwera said.

He however called for a resumption of operations at the Mumias Sugar Factory and preserve jobs.

"We want Mumias Sugar to function so that our people in Kakamega can get employment".

Nabwera said that if the Finance Bill is not amended then he will vote no.

Along with DG Ayub Savula, the leaders decried the high cost of living and repeated calls for amendments on the Finance Bill 2023 which is awaiting debate at the National Assembly.