Sugarcane farmers in the Nyando sugar belt of Kisumu County have come out strongly against local political leaders who oppose the leasing of state owned sugar mills to private investors, accusing them of being out of touch with the realities on the ground.
The region, home to Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Miwani sugar factories, has seen decades of decline in the sugar sector, leaving thousands of farmers and workers in poverty. But the recent decision by the national government to lease out the mills has sparked renewed hope except among local MPs.
Kilion Osur, Secretary General of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, on Monday led a chorus of support for the government’s decision, saying the political elite in Kisumu had failed to provide solutions for years.
“We are dismayed by our leaders, whom we elected to represent us. They are busy criticizing government efforts while offering nothing in return,” said Osur. “The leasing of these mills brings hope to farmers who’ve suffered too long.”
Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar factories have been handed over to Kibos Sugar Company and West Valley Sugar Company, respectively. Kibos, part of the Kipchimchim Group, has transformed from a modest operation in 2007 to a major industrial hub, processing 4,500 tonnes of cane daily and creating thousands of jobs. The company also maintains rural roads and supports local development.
“Let’s not forget,” Osur added, “Kibos is the single largest employer in the county and has a proven track record. They are not strangers here.”
Despite this, Kisumu County MPs including James Nyikal (Seme), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East), James Koyoo (Muhoroni), and Ruth Odinga (Woman Representative) have opposed the leases. Farmers have branded them “clueless” on sugarcane matters, accusing them of political posturing at the expense of progress.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has welcomed the leasing of SoNY to Busia Sugar Company, prompting questions as to why Kisumu leaders remain hostile to similar deals in their own county.
John Okita, a farmer in Sidho, Muhoroni, accused the MPs of only speaking up when farmers begin to prosper. “We’ve been struggling for decades, but now that we see a turnaround with Kibos, politicians suddenly have a problem,” he said. “Their noise is just hot air. Farmers want prompt payment, and that’s what Kibos delivers.”
Okita recalled the collapse of Miwani Sugar in the early ’90s and how it devastated the region. He said areas like Kondele and Kibos, once dormant, have flourished again thanks to private sector investment.
James Onyango, a tout in Kisumu, echoed this sentiment. “You can’t find a house to rent around Car Wash or Kibos today that’s how much the area has grown.”
Meanwhile, union leaders are backing the lease deals. Francis Wangara, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers, hailed the move and confirmed that all workers’ arrears would be paid.
“No worker will be frustrated under the new management,” said Wangara, who is part of a 12 month transition committee overseeing implementation of the lease agreements.
Farmers and workers are now calling on political leaders to stop politicizing the sugar sector and support long term reforms. They argue that continued resistance could plunge the region back into poverty.
“Where were these MPs when this was being debated in Parliament?” asked Okita. “We want leaders who push us forward not ones who pull us back.”
