Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has assured residents that Nzoia Sugar Company will not be sold without public participation.
He made the remarks while addressing mourners at the funeral of Andrew Wataka, a former teacher at Kibabii Boys High School, in Muyayi village, Kanduyi constituency.
“I want to warn those political opportunists who are hoping that the company will be sold under our watch so they can gain cheap political capital,” Lusaka said.
He emphasized that the area leadership has held talks with the President and expressed their views on how to revive Nzoia Sugar.
Their primary concern, he said, is ensuring that farmers receive timely payments for their sugarcane deliveries and workers paid.
Lusaka announced that arrangements have been made to pay both workers and farmers within the next few days.
However, he firmly rejected suggestions that the County government take over the company, stating that “governments are not good at doing business.”
He pointed out that the factory sits on a large expanse of public land donated by the local community for expansion, and some residents were even resettled to make way for the development hence the need for their involvement.
Lusaka vowed that the community will not allow this land to be sold without their involvement.
He insisted that a solution must be found to make the factory self-sustaining and operational.
Kanduyi MP John Makali echoed Lusaka’s sentiments and criticized leaders who lost the last election for spreading propaganda and falsehoods.
He assured residents that any decision regarding the company will be made with transparency and public participation.
