This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
The National Government has set aside 30 million shillings to revive the Muluanda Cotton Ginnery in Busia, a move that is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Speaking after an inspection tour of the facility, Cooperatives Principal Secretary Ali Noor said that the renovation work is scheduled to be complete by the end of May this year.
“After looking at the amount of work required, I am convinced that the money allocated by the government is enough,” he said.
The PS added that his office will work closely with the Principal Secretary for Public Works to ensure that the funds are well utilized so that farmers fully benefit from the facility.
Funyula Member of Parliament Oundo Mudenyo welcomed the initiative, saying that the ginnery was one of the towering giants in the 60s but was affected by the Structural Adjustment Programme.
“We had around seven stores for cotton collection here in Samia but they all collapsed,” he said, adding that the ginnery stopped working in 1995, almost 25 years ago.
The MP assured the local residents that there is a ready market at Rivatex in Eldoret and urged the government to avail BT cotton seeds to farmers so that they can begin planting it from July this year.
“This is because the traditional seeds we have been planting yields 580 kg per acre but BT cotton yields 2100 kg per acre,” he said, adding that there is profit in cotton.
