Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has asked leaders from Sugarcane Growing regions of Western Kenya to consider convening a mega Sugar Conference to discuss how to resuscitate the ailing sector.
He said sugarcane has been the main cash crop in the region creating many opportunities while improving livelihoods.
The Governor said there was a need to have a conversation to come up with a lasting solution to the sector that has potential to turnaround the economy of Western Kenya.
He said as leaders from other regions are planning for Coffee and Tea Conferences to assist their farmers, Western region leaders need to also wake up to the call.
“Let us start having a conversation around sugar so that we can revive our sugar factories,” he noted.
The Governor also urged Mumias Sugar Company Investor Sarrai Group of Companies to employ locals before engaging workers from foreign countries.
“We have our youth who have experience, please give them an opportunity to work in the company,” he noted.
By Moses Wekesa
