Bungoma residents react after Nzoia Sugar revival

Bungoma County residents are reacting positively to the revival of the Nzoia Sugar Company, which has brought economic benefits and improvements in community life. The company, previously facing financial and operational challenges, has resumed full operations following its lease to West Kenya Sugar Company, a Rai Group subsidiary.

President William Ruto had previously pledged to address the issues affecting the sugar sector, stating, "There was a time when sugarcane farmers were not being paid, workers at Nzoia were not being paid, and businesses around the factory had closed because of those challenges. I promised we would fix that sector."

The return of economic activity has also been linked to changes in security in areas surrounding the factory. Location Chief Martin Kwata noted that reduced activity created conditions that criminals exploited, such as livestock theft and murder incidents. However, he reported that security incidents have dropped significantly following the factory's revival, with no recorded criminal cases in Bukembe for an entire month.

Kwata also mentioned that residents have observed a decline in domestic disputes driven by financial stress.

Nevertheless, further investment is needed to restore infrastructure and services previously associated with the sugar company, such as repairing roads, strengthening schools, and reopening the Nzoia hospital. Local farmer Beatrice Wangila expressed that sugarcane farming has enabled her to meet household expenses and educate her children.

She emphasized that the biggest difference today is timely payments, which are crucial for smallholder farmers. The revival of the mill has provided a market for cane, restoring business activity around the factory; however, residents stress that continued investment in infrastructure and social services is essential to maintaining these gains.