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By Isabella Maua
After a long and disheartening halt, Nzoia Sugar Factory has officially resumed its operations, leaving Western Kenya cane farmers hopeful of a better beginning.
The once-giant milling plant hasn’t been operational for a while following a government directive orchestrated by a lack of cane to enable its successful run.
The firm that is currently struggling has been a major source of livelihood for over 67,000 cane farmers and residents in the region.
Its resumption is expected to be a catalyst for the local economy as well as a boost to farmers who have endured long months without pay.
In his address to the Nzoia Sugar factory staff, Governor Kenneth Lusaka empathized with the factory workers over the hardships they’ve had to endure and pledged his support to them.
“It is quite disheartening that our farmers, who are the key ingredient in this factory, are subjected to deplorable conditions because of a lack of salaries,” he stated.
Lusaka called for collaborative efforts in the quest to stabilize the factory and warned the political class to desist from politicizing Nzoia Sugar matters.
“Nzoia is the pride of our country, and it’s the engine of our economy and a source of livelihood for many. Let us shun away from political comedy and establish a lasting solution to problems facing our cane farmers,” he said.
The governor further implored sugar cane farmers to supply their cane to Nzoia as it gets back on track to enhance production.
“As the factory resumes milling, I request that farmers build our production capacity for stability,” he noted.
On the other hand, Lusaka attributed the high poverty levels in the county to a lack of employment and slow activities at Nzoia, saying its revitalization will breathe hope into the communities around it.
Through joint efforts by local leaders and the county government, the national government has written off Ksh 117 billion in debt accrued by state-owned sugar mills in Nzoia, not withstanding.
The colorful event was graced by area leaders including Kanduyi MP John Makali, MCAs, CECMs, and Nzoia Management, among others.