Farmers upbeat as Nzoia Sugar Factory roars back to life after major restructuring

Sugarcane farmers in Bungoma County are filled with optimism following the resumption of operations at the Nzoia Sugar Factory, following a major restructuring effort. Led by Ferdinand Makhanu, a prominent farmer from Bukembe, the farmers expressed their appreciation for President William Ruto's administration for leasing out the four state-owned sugar companies.

This move, they believe, marks a significant turning point for the sugar industry, providing hope and dignity to hundreds of farmers who had seen their livelihoods severely impacted by a decline in production that began in the 1990s. The decline had led to the shutdown of several state-owned factories, but the leasing of Nzoia, Sony, Muhoroni, and Chemelil Sugar Companies now appears to be reversing that trend.

Makhanu, whose farm is highly regarded, credited the Kenya Kwanza administration for their bold move, stating that the sugarcane industry is now on an upward trajectory. He noted that the factory had previously struggled to pay farmers, often requiring them to wait for several months, which caused significant hardship and uncertainty.

The new arrangement now sees farmers being paid on a weekly basis, bringing much-needed financial stability. Makhanu emphasized that the factory's revival has resulted in timely payments and access to improved sugarcane varieties with high yields and early maturity. Beatrice Wangila, a fellow farmer, encouraged her fellow women to invest more in sugarcane cultivation, highlighting the positive impact on their families, including the ability to pay school fees and meet other needs.

Ronald Wekesa, another farmer, called for assistance from the new management in the harvesting and transportation of sugarcane, as many farmers lack the financial means to do so themselves. The transformation in the sugar industry's management has been widely welcomed, with farmers expressing a renewed sense of optimism and urging the new administration to maintain this momentum.