Deputy President William Ruto has moved to clear the way for Busia Sugar to begin operations, even as some leaders in Kakamega County continue to argue that the new miller could hurt neighbouring factories.
This report captures a sharp dispute over the Sh5 billion plant, which has been delayed by legal and political fights. Busia Sugar is based at Busibwabo in Matayos, while West Kenya sits at Olepito in Teso South constituency, with the two mills said to be barely 10km apart.
Ruto, while touring the facility, said the government would not allow 18,000 farmers contracted by Busia Sugar to keep suffering. He also pointed to more than 1,500 jobs that the factory is expected to create.
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala had said licensing Busia Sugar was ill-advised. He also argued that not every county in Western Kenya needs a sugar miller, a position that drew a strong response from Western Development Initiative Association chairman Joseph Baraza.
Baraza dismissed the criticism on Wednesday, saying the government was trying to help farmers and accusing Malala of politicising the issue. He added, “Malala should stick to matters affecting Kakamega County and stay away from Busia.”
Busia businessman and farmer Kaka Hussein defended the project, saying, “This miller is not here for politics but to serve all farmers, whether from Kakamega, Busia or wherever.”
Farmer Ibrahim Juma said the long wait for the plant to open had been painful, but welcomed the government’s intervention. He said, “We have suffered a lot and waited for the opening of the factory for long, but finally the Government has come to our rescue.”
The article also notes 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, with Opposition chief Raila Odinga expected to officiate.
