Two sugarcane factories based in Bungoma and Kakamega Counties have been given a two weeks ultimatum to harvest cane in Webuye East Sub County. Addressing the press in Ndivisi market, Ndivisi Ward MCA Martin Wanyonyi faulted the factories, Nzoia Sugar and West Kenya for delaying the cane harvesting.
“We are tired of reminding them to harvest cane. If they fail to do so in two weeks we will take drastic action by selling it to other people to avoid further frustrations or we will demonstrate and close up all their outlet offices,” he said.
He pointed out that he will lead the demonstrations until the two companies harvest the cane and pay farmers on time to reduce the burdens they are facing. “We will not tolerate any further delay in Webuye East. Farmers have invested and they need money to meet other parental obligations.”
He added that he has already informed farmers and all the operations in the two factories will be stopped because they will not allow their tractors to pass through the area. “We have written to the managing directors of the two factories but they have gone silent,” he added.
The MCA also blamed the area leaders for ignoring the issues facing cane farmers, and choosing to focus on the BBI report instead.
“We need our leaders to be on the forefront helping cane farmers, instead, they are not concerned. They have now directed all their energy towards Constitutional amendments yet farmers are wallowing in poverty.” Efforts to get a comment from the two companies were futile.
His sentiments came after fire razed down property at Nzoia Sugar Company on Thursday night. The Company was up and running after being in maintenance for a week.