The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
Ezra Okoth (R), the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers secretary with farmers from Migori and Homa Bay counties on February 4, 2019. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]
Cane farmers in Awendo and Nyando sugar belts in Migori and Kisumu counties have threatened to stage demonstrations in support of planned leasing of the five State-owned sugar factories.
Led by the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Association Secretary General Ezra Okoth, the farmers said leasing of the factories was timely, and beneficial to all.
They distanced themselves from either taking part or being linked to the current litigation seeking to stop the planned leasing of the ageing factories.
"We want to dissociate ourselves from social media castigation of either a section of farmers or growers union officials being part of any legal matter to stop the leasing process," he said.
Instead, the federation bosses backed President Uhuru Kenyatta's resolve to work with industry players to save the ailing industry.
"We cannot stop a noble idea from being implemented yet we are part of the resolution through the National Sugar Task Force. As the legitimate farmers union, we fully support the leasing agenda," said Okoth.
Justice Nduma Nderi on Thursday suspended the leasing process of Chemelil Sugar, Muhoroni Sugar and Miwani (under receivership), Nzoia Sugar and Sony Sugar Company.
"We, the cane farmers have said before and again that we fully support President Kenyatta's renewed commitment to revive the economies in the sugar belt," Okoth said.
The farmers were irked by growing accusations and warnings in social media platforms after ODM leader Raila Odinga asked those who had filed cases to withdraw them.
This is after Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu halted the leasing process until issues raised by some workers and suppliers are determined. The factories are to be leased for over 25 years.
Already, Jaswant Rai of West Kenya Sugar Company and Sukari Industries, Mehta Group, Kibos Sugar, Butali Sugar Mills, Mini Bakeries and Kuguru Food Complex, China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd, Shenzhen Start Instruments have bid for the deal.
The successful firms are expected to oversee the revival of the sugar factories.
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The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
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