Francis Wangara, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Workers, has called for the establishment of a specialized body to manage funds collected from the road maintenance levy, emphasizing that the funds should not fall under the jurisdiction of county governments.
Addressing the media during ongoing public participation on sugar board director elections, Wangara raised concerns about potential misuse of the levy if it is entrusted to county governments.
“If the fund goes to county governments, it may be diverted to activities outside its intended purpose. The levy is meant to support sugarcane farmers and should remain between farmers and millers to ensure proper utilization,” Wangara stated.
He argued that county governments should not stake a claim to the road levy fund since it is specifically paid for maintaining roads used by sugarcane farmers. Instead, counties should focus on taxes collected from companies operating within their regions.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
Wangara proposed a periodic audit of the levy to ensure transparency and accountability, with a defined timeline for deductions.
“Once the roads are properly established, there should be no need for further deductions. This fund should not become a permanent burden,” he said.
Concerns Over Sugar Board Elections
Wangara also voiced reservations about the sugar board director elections, particularly the requirement for candidates to have a university degree. He echoed farmers’ concerns that degree qualifications could exclude capable candidates who understand farmers’ issues.
“Those with degrees are often preoccupied with other engagements and may not effectively represent farmers’ interests. Farmers should be allowed to elect their representatives from among themselves, without political interference,” he cautioned.
He further urged farmers to resist the influence of politicians offering financial incentives to sway their votes.
Strengthening the Sugar Industry
Wangara expressed optimism about the sugar industry’s future, highlighting the decline in sugar imports and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between farmers and millers. He also backed the implementation of the Sugar Act, recently signed by President William Ruto, as a key step toward revitalizing the sector.
By proposing a dedicated board for the road levy fund and advocating for farmer-centric representation on the sugar board, Wangara underscored the need for accountability and fair governance to support the sugarcane farming community.
