Let us talk about sugar; Kakamega to hold first sugar conference amidst sugarmills closure
The Kakamega sugar conference, scheduled for September 8, is set to bring together sugar stakeholders from all over the country.
During a press conference, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa emphasized the pressing issues of sugar scarcity in Kenya and the closure of mills in the Western and Lake regions.
“I anticipate finding solutions to the challenges we are facing as the Mulembe nation and as the people of the Lake region,” stated Governor Barasa.
Kakamega is the home of the well-known Mumias Sugar company.
In a separate press conference, President William Ruto announced that Kenya would be importing a sugar consignment by mid-August to address the sugar shortage in the region.
President Ruto also acknowledged the prevailing confusion in the sector and expressed his commitment to collaborating with leaders in the Western region to find a lasting solution.
Due to the scarcity of sugarcane, the West Sugar Company has decided to temporarily suspend its staff for two months, allowing time for the crop to mature.
A meeting convened in Kisumu on July 13 resulted in a collective decision among millers in Western Kenya to halt cane harvesting due to the harvesting of premature cane.
In light of this decision, Nzoia Sugar Company, West Kenya, Butali, Mumias, Kibos, and Busia sugar factories have temporarily closed their operations.
VIDEO BY SHABAN MAKOKHA