Farmers urge judiciary to expedite Miwani Sugar cases

Luke Anami

Farmers in Kisumu and Nyando Counties want court cases involving Miwani Sugar Company (1989) expedited to pave way for the firm’s privatisation.

Led by Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association (KESGA) Secretary General, Samuel Anyango, the farmers have petitioned the Judiciary to fast track the cases, to ensure the company is not left out of the privatisation process.

"There are three cases filled in Court concerning Miwani Sugar factory. All we want is for the Judiciary to expedite this cases to allow the company to be privatised along with four others," Anyango said during a press conference held yesterday at a Nairobi hotel. Miwani, which collapsed ten years ago, is one of the five sugar factories that is set to be privatised following Cabinet approval last month. The others are Nzoia, Sony, Chemelil and Muhoroni.

However, due to its closure, farmers in Miwani had to deliver cane to neighbouring Chemelil and Muhoroni factories, which raised their transport costs.

Heard and determined

They called upon the Chief Justice to ensure cases currently pending before the High Court in Kisumu and the Court of Appeal are heard and determined urgently.