Kericho farmers, workers clash over sugarcane

The Sukari Limited weighbridge in Soin ward in Kericho county. There attempts to close it. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Sugarcane farmers in Kericho county have said they will resist attempts by the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers to shut down a Sh100 million weighbridge in Soin/Sigowet Constituency.

The farmers, through the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, claim the move by the union would lead to the wastage of more than 3,000 metric tonnes of sugarcane at a yard near the weighbridge.

"The county administration authorised us to begin operation after paying the required fee of Sh36,000. Farmers in this region have found the weighbridge economical and efficient," said the farmers' union chairman, Andrew Bett.

The weighbridge and sugarcane yard are located in Soin ward at the border between Kericho and Kisumu counties, and was constructed by Sukari Ltd, the owners of West Kenya Sugar Factory.

But the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers has opposed to the construction of new weighbridges and successfully challenged this in court.

The union filed a case against the Lake Region Economic Block and obtained orders from the High Court in Kisumu cancelling the construction of new weighbridges in the country.

Farmers' argument

It argued that the construction of new weighbridges facilitated sugarcane poaching.

But the farmers argue that Kericho is yet to officially join the Lake Region Economic block because ward representatives are yet to ratify membership. Deputy Speaker Josephat Ruto and Albert Kipkoech (Soliat) confirmed this.

"Members of the county assembly unanimously rejected the proposal for Kericho to join the block. We want to continue enjoying the free movement of goods and people," said Mr Ruto.

Mr Bett said farmers were ready to partner with any sugarcane miller who offered prompt payment for their cane.

"Right now we are very happy that Sukari Ltd released payments for the 3,000 tonnes of sugarcane we supplied last week," he said.

Addressing the farmers at the weighbridge yard, Bett said the facility would not only serve Kericho but also Koru and Muhoroni in neighbouring Kisumu County.

The farmers' lawyer, Robert Maua, argued that the court order against weighbridges did apply to Sukari Ltd.

"The order was in reference to construction of new weighbridges and not already existing ones," he said.