Opposition leader Raila Odinga has accused officials of corruption and mismanagement that has crippled Kenya's sugar industry, leading to the closure of the Kisumu molasses plant due to raw material shortages. The remarks came during a meeting with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, Privatisation Commission chair Paul Otuoma, and regional MPs, where a follow-up session was scheduled for Monday in Kisumu to address sector challenges.
The government recently disbursed Sh2.7 billion to farmers to settle outstanding debts, but growers continue to blame outdated machinery, debt burdens, cane theft, and lax regulations for the sector's decline. State-run mills in Mumias, Nzoia, Muhoroni, Chemelil, Miwani, and Sony face systemic issues requiring urgent restructuring.
President Uhuru Kenyatta directed an audit of sugar mill operations during last year's Mashujaa Day celebrations, tasking Kiunjuri and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya with forming a committee to propose reforms. However, the task force paused its work to prioritize farmer payments, with farmers demanding transparency in the disbursement list.
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