This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Published on July 2, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta met with western Kenyan leaders at Harambee House in Nairobi to discuss development projects in the region.
The meeting focused on the ongoing government efforts to revive the ailing sugar sector, particularly Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories.
According to State House, the president said his government was committed 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.
During 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 Ksh 2 million to the football team, which is sponsored by the sugar miller.
Leaders who attended the meeting 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.
