This archive report was first published on 10 September 2021.
On September 10, 2021, hundreds of cane farmers in Homa Bay County were relieved after a miller began constructing roads to facilitate sugarcane transportation, ending years of losses due to poor infrastructure.
At Ombo Kachieng village in North Kabuoch ward, Ndhiwa Sub-county, sugarcane farmer Peter Odero demonstrated his four-year-old sugarcane, which had not been harvested due to lack of roads in the area.
David Okoth, General Manager of Sukari Limited, officially opened three complete roads measuring 18km, including Oboch -Sikwadhi (12km), Jabagre (3km), and Okinda (3km) roads in North Kabuoch Ward.
Speaking at Ombo Kachieng, Okoth said the company started the road construction project to cushion farmers from losses in sugarcane production.
"Some farmers have not had their sugarcane harvested for four years, and this is unhealthy for agribusiness. Our work as Sukari Industry is not to construct roads, but we are doing it to salvage farmers from losses," Okoth said.
Okoth warned the company field assistants against soliciting bribes from farmers before harvesting their cane, and urged farmers to report any field assistant who demands a bribe.
East Kachieng assistant chief Ann Onyango said the roads will enhance sugarcane production in the area, and warned residents against the vandalism of the roads.
"We will take legal action against them," Onyango said.
Farmers expressed optimism that the roads will transform their lives, with Peter Odero saying, "The cane has been on the farm for four years. Some withered, but I am happy it will be harvested," and Plister Adhiambo adding, "Lack of roads had made life unbearable in this area. People with severe illnesses have been suffering due to inability to access health facilities during rainy seasons,"
