Mumias Sugar Company has taken a significant step towards recovery, now processing 3,000 tonnes of sugarcane daily following the installation of a new crushing machine. The machine, which can handle up to 6,000 tonnes per day, marks a key milestone in the factory’s revival.
Before its closure, Mumias was the country’s largest sugar miller, processing 8,000 tonnes of sugarcane daily. According to Joseph Kumar, the company’s manager, the factory’s 9,000-acre nucleus estate has sufficient cane to sustain operations.
“We’ve planted cane on about 3,000 acres and plan to plant another 3,000 acres during the next dry season. This will complement the cane we source from our farmers,” Kumar explained.
The factory resumed operations under the Sarrai Group, led by Sarbi Singh Rai, after a leasing agreement that faced opposition from Jaswant Singh Rai of West Kenya Sugar Company. This conflict saw President William Ruto intervene, leading to the withdrawal of legal challenges against the lease.
Despite the progress, political interference—a factor previously blamed for Mumias’ struggles—has re-emerged. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya called for an end to political meddling in the operations of sugar factories across Western and Nyanza regions, including Nzoia, Muhoroni, Chemilili, Miwani, and Mumias.
“Politics must be kept out of these factories. The best way to support farmers is by ensuring they are paid promptly, given access to loans, fertiliser, seed cane, and assistance with transportation,” Salasya said.
He also urged Bungoma County leaders to support the Nzoia Sugar Factory’s revival by prioritizing farmers’ interests and allowing the factory to operate privately without political interference.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the sugar sector. During a recent visit to Bungoma County, he announced that Mumias farmers would receive their first bonuses this month.
“For the first time, Mumias farmers will get a bonus. I will personally oversee this process. Just like coffee and tea farmers, sugarcane farmers must also benefit from bonuses,” said Ruto. He further directed the factory to ensure timely payments for farmers and workers.
Ruto also pledged to address the challenges facing the Nzoia Sugar Company and reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving the sector.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa praised the President’s decision to approve the Sugar Bill, describing it as a major step towards strengthening the sugarcane sector.
“Sugarcane farming is the backbone of our economy in Western Kenya, and we will continue to support efforts to revive this sector for the benefit of our people,” Barasa said.
As Mumias Sugar progresses towards full recovery, stakeholders remain hopeful that the sector will regain its former glory, providing much-needed economic relief to the region’s farmers and workers.
