This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
As the country grapples with water shortages and power failures, critics are also questioning the feasibility of reviving Mumias Sugar Sacco, a plan championed by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. According to Major (Rtd) Martin Wandahwa, the sacco's revival hinges on sugar farmers contributing to attain the threshold for a loan, which is a daunting task given their lack of collateral.
"For a sacco to flourish, it must have members contributing to attain the threshold for a loan. Sugar farmers have no collateral to secure loans for farming," Wandahwa said. He proposed an alternative approach, where the priority should be to plant cane for the farmers, provide inputs, and deduct the cost from the payment and sacco savings, which would grow and serve them appropriately.
Meanwhile, water shortages and power failures continue to plague the country, with Antony Irungu attributing the twin problems to the water corporation's failure to embrace water harvesting. "We cannot be blaming the elements for our woes and yet it's the leadership that is failing us," he lamented.
Residents in North Rift are also feeling the pinch of prolonged power outages, with Japheth Keverenge expressing frustration over the lack of electricity in his area. "Let's not even talk about the insecurity that comes with such blackouts. Kenya Power should up its game," he said.
Additionally, Mathangani Muya is upset over the felling of trees on Oloitokitok Road at Kileleshwa, Nairobi, and the subsequent water flowing along Arboretum Drive.
