From powerhouse to a shell: Sifuna decries sudden decline of Mumias Town

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna recently expressed deep concern over the sudden decline of the once-thriving town of Mumias. In a church service on August 9, 2026, Sifuna lamented how the town was once a powerful economic hub, but had now become "a shell of what it used to be" due to corruption and mismanagement.

Sifuna highlighted that Mumias was once a major contributor to Kenya's national economy, particularly through the Mumias Sugar industry. He recalled that the town's sugar factory was one of the biggest taxpayers in Western Kenya, earning up to Ksh60 billion annually for the government. However, the decline of this industry has had severe consequences for the local economy, affecting thousands of residents who relied on sugar-related jobs and businesses.

The Senator accused influential figures of making decisions that favored their allies instead of serving the best interests of local residents. He pointed out that the collapse of major economic projects in Mumias has not only hurt the town but also deprived thousands of employment and business opportunities. Sifuna emphasized that when such projects fail, Kenyans, in general, bear the brunt of the economic impact.

His remarks come as there is a renewed political debate over the future of Mumias Sugar and other struggling industries in Western Kenya. Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has vowed to reclaim the Mumias and Nzoia sugar companies, as well as the Webuye Pan Paper factories, if his party secures power in the 2027 General Elections.

The government has already leased several public sugar factories to private entities, with Nzoia Sugar Company being awarded a 30-year lease. The future of Mumias and Western Kenya's economy is likely to remain a contentious political issue as various parties and leaders intensify efforts to mobilize support ahead of the upcoming election.