A section of Bungoma leaders have strongly opposed the privatisation of Nzoia Sugar Mill arguing that it will create a private monopoly and end up exploiting farmers.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Livestock who toured the miller to document the problems facing cane farmers, Bungoma leaders led by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, said they will not allow the company to be sold.
Lusaka said that instead they are fighting to see that the company procure modern machines and introduce new technology to improve performance and increase profits.
Governor Lusaka pointed out that Nzoia Sugar Company is the economic pillar of the County and added that it has to be safeguarded.
The Agriculture Departmental Committee members led by the Vice Chairperson Yegon Brighton hinted at pushing for the allocation of Sh500M to bolster the operations of the ailing sugar miller.
Kanduyi MP John Makali pledged to support the company board of management and employees in their efforts to revamp production.
He urged the cane growers to continue supplying the miller with the raw material to keep it alive.
The Chair of the Board of the Company, Alfred Khang’ati, said that he has put measures in place to curb cartels in the company to ensure that sanity is restored.
The Cane growers led by Christopher Sifuna proposed the return of Kenya Sugar board and re-introduction of sugar development levy.
This they said will help cane farmers to get loans that will support them financially.
By Roseland Lumwamu
