After the government put up a leasing notice for state-owned sugar factories, including Nzoia Sugar Company situated in Bukembe East Ward of Kanduyi Constituency, area MP John Okwisia Makali has come out in support of the move.
Hon. Makali said that previously the government had been at the forefront of attempting to salvage the company from the several challenges it faced, including paying arrears owed to farmers and workers, as well as writing off debts amounting to billions. Unfortunately, these challenges recurred.
He therefore stated that it is in good faith that the government has given leeway to potential investors who will be able to provide a sustainable system that can, in turn, help turn around the factory.
Hon. Makali mentioned that several privately-owned mills have been operating successfully, and he believes the government is genuine in its intention to have a potential investor take over the mill. He called upon potential investors from the region to try their luck in the bidding process.
However, the first-term legislator was quick to clarify that, as agreed with other leaders from the region, the mill, which was set up in 1978, will not be sold, as has been insinuated by some pessimistic members of society. He emphasized that it is the property and heritage of the people of Bungoma County.
The first-term legislator also took the opportunity to assure residents of Kanduyi Constituency that he is on track with delivering the projects he promised, stating that it is simply a matter of prioritization.
“We promised many projects, including those in the education sector and electricity installation. We are on track, and although we cannot complete all of them at once, we will eventually deliver as most of them are already ongoing,” he said.
