Sugarcane farmers in Kenya have criticized the government’s decision to revive struggling state-owned sugar mills through leasing arrangements, reports The Star.
This decision, reached during a Cabinet meeting at Sagana State Lodge, proposes that Nzoia, Chemelil, Miwani, Muhoroni, South Nyanza, and Mumias sugar companies be operated under a lease and operating framework to commercialize them, pending approval by Parliament.
The Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, however, issued a statement expressing their dissatisfaction, claiming that the government’s approach lacks seriousness in revitalizing the sugar industry.
Simon Wesechere, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation, stated that leasing public sugar mills is not a viable solution for revival. Instead, he emphasized that comprehensive cane development programs, diligently executed, are the key to stabilizing these mills.
While acknowledging the use of bailouts to revive other sectors, such as coffee, Wesechere criticized the government’s reluctance to apply the same strategy to the sugar subsector.
He questioned the terms and legality of leasing to private millers and called for proper public participation in the decision-making process.
Wesechere also urged the government to disclose the amount of imported sugar approved by the Cabinet, warning against potential negative impacts on the industry.
He criticized the blanket closure of all sugar mills, suggesting it was a ploy to keep sugarcane farmers economically disadvantaged.
Wesechere dismissed the idea of shutting down all sugar mills to allow cane maturity, arguing that there are farmers with overgrown cane.
He concluded by urging prominent political figures from the Luhya community to address the concerns of sugarcane farmers and questioned the decision to halt sugar production for two months to regenerate sugarcane.
The dispute reflects the complexities and challenges faced by the sugar industry in Kenya, including issues related to ownership, operation, and supporting the livelihoods of farmers.
