The County government of Kakamega intends to pump Kshs 300 million towards reviving Mumias Sugar Company. This is according to Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who said plans to revive the factory are already underway.
Speaking during the signing of an MoU between the County government and Commodities Fund at the County headquarters, Oparanya revealed that three investors have shown interest to invest in the company which is currently facing financial challenges.
“Commodities Fund will manage the sugar levy fund on behalf of the County government. We are starting the preparations early so that by the time the company is fully revived we have enough cane to support the factory,” said Oparanya.
He said the County hopes to pump Kshs 300 million in the programme under the Commodities Fund. He added that the sugar industry is undergoing reforms that target to benefit cane farmers, citing the sugar bill which is at the National Assembly and sugar regulations as part of efforts that target to revive the ailing sugar sector.
Mwancha Okioma, chairman of the board of trustees of Commodities Fund said his organization will reach out to cane farmers to urge them to grow cane and lend them funds for cane development. “We are willing to support the revival process of Mumias Sugar Company. We will assist in the cane development program so that we have enough cane for the factory,” he stated.