Ruto set to commission new Sh3b sugar mill

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

 

Narok, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto will today preside over the ground breaking ceremony for a Sh3 billion sugar factory in Narok County.

The factory, will be constructed in Lorigorian, Transmara, by Indian investor Rajarambapu Group of Companies as the county government of Narok positions itself to attract more investors.

“Narok County is positioning itself to attract all types of investors, and the new sugar factory is part of these plans,” Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai said in a statement. He confirmed that Mr Ruto will be the chief guest.

The investor and the county government have already signed an MoU.  Rajarambapu Group Vice President (Oversees Business) arrived in the country earlier this week for the signing ceremony. The group’s patron Jayant Patil, is also the Minster for Rural Development of Maharashtra State, India.

COMMITTED LAND

According to Tunai, local farmers have already committed over 20,000 acres of land in Logorian to be used for sugar cane farming.

“These farmers have individual titles and have committed the 20,000 acres for the purpose of sugarcane farming to the new factory.”

Currently, the community around Narok is known for their pastoralists’ lifestyle but are slowly changing to take up agriculture with focus being on tea, sugarcane and maize. Narok is also home to wheat and barley.

Currently, sugarcane farmers are served by Sony Sugar in neighbouring Migori County, but Tunai explains the new factory will not affect the operations of Sony.

“We are determined to put up two more factories in the area and the new one in Lorigorian is one of them, while the county is scouting for an investor who will put another one in Emurua Dikkir.”

Tunai says the project will serve four communities of Maasai, Kisii, Kuria and Kipsigis and help in alleviating incidents of cattle rustling by creating employment for hundreds of youths.