Sugar miller Mumias has ramped up its processing capacity to 3,000 tonnes of sugarcane per day following the installation of a new crushing machine. Management says the new equipment has the potential to double output to 6,000 tonnes daily, marking a major step in the factory’s revival, reports The Saturday Standard.
Before its closure, Mumias was the country’s largest sugar miller, processing 8,000 tonnes of sugarcane daily. The company’s manager, Joseph Kumar, expressed confidence in sustaining operations, citing a steady supply of cane from the factory’s 9,000-acre nucleus estate.
“We have planted sugarcane on about 3,000 acres and plan to expand by another 3,000 acres during the next dry season. This will supplement supplies from our contracted farmers,” Kumar said.
Mumias resumed operations under the lease of Sarbi Singh Rai from the Sarrai Group. However, the arrangement faced opposition from Jaswant Singh Rai of West Kenya Sugar Company, leading to a legal battle that required the intervention of President William Ruto.
Despite progress, political interference—previously blamed for challenges in the sugar industry—has resurfaced, particularly as farmers anticipate their first bonus payment.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, who toured the factory on Saturday, urged leaders to keep politics out of sugar mills, including Muhoroni, Chemilili, Nzoia, and Miwani.
“The only way to protect farmers is by ensuring they are paid promptly, given access to loans, fertilizers, seed cane, and transportation support,” Salasya said. He also called on Bungoma County leaders to support Nzoia Sugar Factory’s revival, blaming poor management for its struggles.
President Ruto recently visited Bungoma County and reaffirmed his commitment to resolving management issues at Mumias Sugar. He announced that farmers would receive bonuses this month, promising direct oversight of the payments.
“For the first time, Mumias farmers will receive a bonus. I will personally ensure it is done, just as we do for coffee and tea farmers,” Ruto said. He also directed the factory to guarantee timely payments for farmers and workers.
Mumias Sugar’s revival had been stalled by court battles initiated by West Kenya Sugar Chairman Jaswant Singh Rai, who opposed the lease agreement with Sarbi Singh Rai. Ruto’s intervention, marked by his now-famous “mambo ni matatu” remark, led to the withdrawal of all legal challenges.
The President also pledged to address issues at Nzoia Sugar and gave his approval for the Sugar Bill, a move welcomed by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
“Sugarcane farming is the backbone of our economy in Western, and we support all efforts to revive the sector for the benefit of our people,” Barasa said.
