Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urgently appealed to President William Ruto to step in and address the financial woes facing Nzoia Sugar Company, a vital economic pillar for the people of Bungoma County and Western Kenya at large.
Speaking during the launch of bonuses for sugarcane farmers in Mumias, Governor Lusaka highlighted the critical role Nzoia Sugar plays in the region’s economy and the severe financial distress faced by farmers and workers affiliated with the company due to prolonged payment delays. Many in the community have endured months without pay, plunging them into financial hardship.
“People of Bungoma are looking up to you, Mr. President, to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing Nzoia Sugar Company,” Lusaka stated. “This factory is the lifeline of thousands of farmers and workers who are struggling to make ends meet. Its revival is essential to restoring economic stability in this region.”
Governor Lusaka called for an intervention similar to the one extended to Mumias Sugar, which recently saw the distribution of bonuses to sugarcane farmers. He emphasized that the restoration of Nzoia Sugar would significantly enhance the livelihoods of those dependent on the mill and invigorate the local economy.
“Nzoia Sugar is just as important to us as Mumias. Its revival will bring hope and stability to thousands of families,” Lusaka continued. “Timely payment to farmers and workers will not only revive the economy but also ensure political goodwill from the people of Western Kenya.”
The Governor also noted that addressing the challenges facing Nzoia Sugar and Mumias would go a long way in ensuring continued support for President Ruto in future elections. “Once these two factories are sorted out, the people of this region will have no reason not to re-elect you,” Lusaka added.
President William Ruto, currently on a week-long development tour of Western Kenya, is expected to visit Bungoma on Thursday and Friday, where he will unveil several development projects. Stakeholders are hopeful that the President’s visit will provide an opportunity for a decisive response to the crisis at Nzoia Sugar, which has been plagued by financial mismanagement, overwhelming debt, and operational challenges in recent years.
Nzoia Sugar, once a thriving and vital business in the region, is now struggling to stay afloat. With thousands of farmers and workers affected by its downfall, local communities are calling for immediate intervention, including financial support and structural reforms, to revive the sugar mill and restore its status as a key economic driver for the area.