Deputy President William Ruto has backed the start of Busia Sugar operations even as a political row over the miller’s licence continues to divide leaders in Western Kenya. The dispute, which has pitted Busia interests against some Kakamega politicians, was still unresolved on November 21, 2018.
Ruto said during a tour of the factory that the government would not ignore the 18,000 farmers contracted by Busia Sugar, or the more than 1,500 jobs expected to come from the plant. His remarks came after Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala questioned the decision to license the company, saying the move was ill-advised.
Western Development Initiative Association chairman Joseph Baraza rejected Malala’s criticism and accused him of turning the issue into politics. “Malala should stick to matters affecting Kakamega County and stay away from Busia,” Baraza said.
Supporters of the project say the factory is meant to serve cane growers across the region, not only Busia County. Busia businessman and farmer Kaka Hussein said, “This miller is not here for politics but to serve all farmers, whether from Kakamega, Busia or wherever.”
The row has also been shaped by fears from some Kakamega politicians that Busia Sugar could hurt neighbouring millers. Malala argued that not every county in Western needs a sugar miller, while backers of the project insisted the factory should be allowed to operate.
The two factories are less than 10km apart. Busia Sugar is located at Busibwabo in Matayos, while West Kenya is based at Olepito in Teso South constituency. The companies have been locked in a legal tussle that delayed the Sh5 billion Busia Sugar factory from crushing cane.
Farmers in Busia say the delay has already cost them heavily. Ibrahim Juma said he was relieved the wait was ending, adding, “We have suffered a lot and waited for the opening of the factory for long, but finally the Government has come to our rescue,” he said.
The article also noted that Busia farmers had delivered cane to Mumias Sugar Company almost two years earlier and were still waiting to be paid. Busia Sugar, which can process 3,000 tonnes of cane per day, was scheduled for official opening on December 12, 2018, with Opposition chief Raila Odinga expected to officiate.
Archive date: November 21, 2018.
