This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a closed-door meeting with Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli at Harambee House in Nairobi.
Later that day, the President met with a group of Western Kenya leaders at Harambee House to discuss development projects in the region.
The leaders present included Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia), as well as Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
According to a statement from the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU), the President and the leaders discussed the ongoing government efforts to revive the ailing sugar sector, particularly Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories.
President Kenyatta assured the leaders of the government's commitment to reviving the sector by fast-tracking the implementation of the sugar taskforce report.
The report, co-chaired by Agriculture CS Peter Munya and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, outlined several interventions, including the writing off of debts owed by the millers.
As part of the revival process, the government has already published the sugar sector regulations and is strengthening the legal framework to anchor sector reforms.
Following the meeting, President Kenyatta handed over a brand new 52-seater bus to Nzoia Sugar Company Chairman Joash Wamang'oli, which will be used by Nzoia Sugar Football Club for their sporting engagements.
The President also donated Ksh2 million to the football team, which is sponsored by the sugar miller.
The meeting comes at a time of political tensions in the region, with some leaders allied to DP William Ruto promising that the region will vote in his favor, while others inclined to President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have been promising unity ahead of the 2022 polls.
