This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta met with Western Kenya leaders at his Harambee House office to accelerate development in the region. The meeting, which took place on July 2, 2020, was attended by several governors and other prominent leaders from the region.
The President and the leaders discussed the ongoing government efforts to revive the ailing sugar sector, particularly Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories. The Head of State assured the leaders of the government's commitment to reviving the sector by fast-tracking the implementation of the sugar taskforce report.
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. The Presidential taskforce, 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.
During the meeting, the President handed over a brand new 52-seater bus to Nzoia Sugar Company Chairman Joash Wamang'oli. The bus will be used by Nzoia Sugar Football Club for their sporting engagements. The President also donated Ksh 2 million to the football team, which is sponsored by the sugar miller.
The leaders present at the meeting included Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia). Other Western Kenya leaders present were Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
