Cane farmers back sugar mill leasing as Kisumu leaders oppose plan

Nyando farmers back leasing state sugar mills, blaming local leaders for blocking revival and harming the industry's future. [File, Standard] Farmers in the Nyando sugar belt of Kisumu County have criticised local leaders for opposing the leasing of state-owned sugar mills, calling their stance harmful to the future of the industry. The region includes Chemelil, Muhoroni and Miwani sugar factories. Farmers said politicians have failed to solve long-standing problems and should support the government's efforts to revive the sector through privatisation. Kilion Osur, Secretary General of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, noted the leasing of mills to private investors brought hope to a sector plagued by mismanagement and political interference. "As farmers, we are dismayed. We elected leaders to represent us, yet they're busy criticising government action while offering no alternatives," Osur said, adding, "The intention is to improve farmer welfare. Why are they against it?" Osur said elected leaders are out of touch with sugarcane farming realities and block meaningful change. He said leasing public mills will improve living standards and reduce poverty in the region. He praised President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga for backing the leasing plan. "Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko welcomed the leasing of Sony Sugar. What is different about Kisumu that Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and area MPs oppose the same move at Chemelil and Muhoroni?" Osur asked. Chemelil and Muhoroni factories have been leased to Kibos Sugar Company and West Valley Sugar Company, respectively. West Valley is part of Kipchimchim Group, which invests in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and mining. Kibos Sugar, established in 2007, grew from processing 1,650 to 4,500 tonnes of cane per day. It runs a paper factory, distillery, fertiliser plant and six tea factories, crushing 1,250 tonnes of cane daily. Farmers credit Kibos for maintaining feeder roads and creating thousands of jobs. "They've ensured roads are in good shape at their own cost, helping farmers access markets," Osur said. During the Chemelil handover, Kibos director Jassi Chatthe told staff and farmers the company is owned by sixth-generation Asian Kenyans. "We are not strangers, as claimed by the local MP," he added. Kibos is now the largest employer in Kisumu County with a substantial community impact. Other leased factories include Nzoia Sugar to West Kenya Sugar and Sony to Busia Sugar Company. Despite this, Kisumu MPs-James Nyikal, Aduma Owuor, Joshua Oron, Shakeel Shabir, James Koyoo and Woman Representative Ruth Odinga-called for termination of lease agreements. John Okita, a farmer from Sidho, Muhoroni, questioned why leaders resist efforts to improve livelihoods. "For over 30 years, we've suffered due to poor management of state mills. I sighed with relief when Chemelil was handed to Kibos," he said. Okita recalled how Miwani's collapse in the 1990s devastated the area, leading to the closure of schools, hospitals and markets. "When Kibos came 17 years ago, things started to improve. You can't find a house to rent in Car Wash or Kibos now," said Kisumu tout James Onyango. Muhoroni MP Koyoo recently opposed leasing Chemelil to Kibos, but farmers like Okita say the company is transforming the sector. "I've delivered cane to Kibos weighbridges and been paid promptly. That's what farmers need," Okita said. Okita questioned why MPs who took part in leasing discussions since 2015 now protest. "Public participation forums were held across the 14 Lake Region Economic Bloc counties. Where were these MPs when Parliament passed the decision?" he asked. He called out Nyando MP Jared Okello, who sits on the Agriculture Committee. "What was his contribution? Our leaders should stop holding us back," Okita said. Francis Wangara, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers, welcomed the leasing move. "Since 2015, we've fought for this. I'm glad workers' dues will now be paid," Wangara said. Wangara, a member of the 12-month transition committee overseeing implementation, assured workers their rights would be protected. "No worker will be frustrated. The government is committed to clearing all arrears," he noted.

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