Busia farmers plot revival as Ruto promises double cane bonus

President Ruto launches the Issuance of bonuses for sugarcane farmers at Mumias in Kakamega County. January 20, 2025. [Benard Lusigi, Standard] Sugarcane farmers in Busia County have agreed on key measures aimed at reviving the troubled Busia Out-growers Company (BOCO) linked to Mumias Sugar Company, whose collapse has long denied them the fruits of their hard labour. During a farmers' engagement forum held at Kisoko in Nambale Sub-County, it was resolved that a fresh registration of members will be conducted over the next two weeks ahead of the election of new directors within 21 days. Mumias Sugar (2021) Limited Head of Operations and Administration, Stephen Kihumba, who presided over the meeting, said the registration will be done at local chiefs' offices and will form the basis for electing new, credible leadership. "We have agreed to immediately start registration and compile a new register to be used in elections. The elections will be conducted within 21 days to ensure we get legitimate leaders to represent farmers' interests," said Kihumba. He said in a bid to safeguard the company's assets and finances, he ordered the interim directors to surrender all company property, including tractors, which will be parked at the company's weighbridge until new management assumes office. He also announced a temporary freeze on BOCO's bank account. "All assets, including tractors, will be stationed at our weighbridge for accountability. The bank account will be frozen to ensure no funds are misappropriated during this transition," he said. He revealed that under the current milling management, Mumias Sugar (2021) Ltd had remitted Sh11.5 million to BOCO and repaired tractors, now back in operation. Additionally, the company paid Sh18.9 million in cash to the Busia County Government. Kihumba also highlighted the impact of the 2024 bonus payout, stating that farmers from Busia County received 60 per cent of the Sh150 million bonus, amounting to Sh90 million. The county also produced the highest individual cane delivery, with one farmer delivering 2,900 tonnes. "We commend the dedication of Busia farmers. The top bonus earner was from this county," said Kihumba, adding that the company has employed 3,677 people directly and embraced digital technology to streamline operations. "Farmers now receive real-time SMS alerts when their cane is weighed, improving transparency and accountability in the process," he added. President Ruto, while attending a church service in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County on Sunday, hailed Mumias Sugar Company for paying cane farmers on time, stating that he will be issuing a double sugar bonus to farmers in December this year. "We have streamlined the sugar sector and now Mumias is paying farmers and workers on time, and in December I will be issuing out double the sugar bonus than the Sh150 million I gave out early this year," said Ruto. Nambale Deputy County Commissioner Caroline Onchoka, who was also present, urged farmers to uphold peace and follow the agreed resolutions. "All the decisions made here are from you farmers, and they must be respected. The administration is fully backing this process to ensure order is restored," said Onchoka. He warned that any attempt to disrupt the transition would attract legal consequences. "The interim officials must hand over. Any interference with the process will not be tolerated," she warned. Farmers at the meeting voiced frustration over the existing leadership, which they claim has overstayed its welcome and contributed to the suffering of the sugarcane-growing community. "We don't want the current directors to conduct any business in the next 21 days. They've been in office illegally and have misused our tractors to benefit only a few," said Fobian Omwaro, a farmer from the area. Another farmer, Joseph Barasa, echoed the concerns, saying the previous leadership had long overstayed its interim term, which lapsed last year. "The current efforts are a welcome relief. For the first time, we are being included in the process to reclaim what is rightfully ours," said Barasa. BOCO has been entangled in prolonged leadership wrangles and court battles that have paralysed operations, leaving thousands of farmers in debt and despair.

Busia farmers plot revival as Ruto promises double cane bonus

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