Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, has responded to growing concerns, and criticism surrounding the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Factory and other public sugar mills.
Speaking to the media, CS Kagwe firmly dismissed claims that the government had secretly sold the factories, clarifying that it was a leasing process, not a sale.
“No sugar factory has been sold. It’s leasing that has been done, which Parliament approved the whole process,” Kagwe said.
His remarks come after some political leaders, and farmers expressed fears that the government had sold Nzoia, and other state-owned sugar factories without proper public involvement.
However, Kagwe assured Kenyans that the process followed the law, and involved all necessary stakeholders.
“I dismiss assertions that the process was opaque, considering all stakeholders were involved,” he added.
He said the leasing is part of a wider reform plan aimed at reviving the struggling sugar sector, which has suffered for years due to mismanagement, debts, and low production.
The CS explained that through leasing, the government hopes private investors can bring in capital, modern technology, and proper management to turn around the sector.
Kagwe also said the ministry is ready to be fully transparent, and cooperate with any investigations.
“We are ready to submit any document for scrutiny by Parliament and the general public,” he assured.
The Agriculture CS urged leaders, and citizens to avoid spreading misinformation that could harm the reforms.
He encouraged Kenyans to focus on finding lasting solutions for sugarcane farmers, who have suffered under the weight of collapsing factories, and unpaid dues.
He promised that the leasing process would benefit farmers, by ensuring that the factories are active, workers are paid, and sugarcane farming returns to profitability.
With the leasing process underway, the government hopes to revive Kenya’s sugar industry, and improve the lives of thousands of farmers, especially in Western Kenya, where sugarcane farming is a major economic activity.
By Nairobi