Migori cane farmers petition gov't to pay Ksh.185 million arrears

Cane farmers in Migori County have petitioned the government through the office of the Migori County commissioner, asking for payment of their arrears amounting to Ksh.185 million.

Kenya Federation of Sugarcane farmers, Sony branch secretary Argwengs Adongo, who led the team that handed their petition to the county commissioner’s office, said they are worried that the government is silent about the arrears.

Adongo said the government promised to settle the arrears by the end of 2025, but has yet to do so.

He said the farmers have tried to reach out to the government through other forums with no response.

His remarks were echoed by the federation chairperson, John Omollo Odondi, who said that the farmers are not even able to develop cane because the government has failed to pay them their arrears.

Omollo has also called on the elected leaders in Migori County to push for the payment of the farmers' arrears.

Meanwhile, the cane farmers also want the government to implement the Sugar Act so that they can benefit from a number of supports through the Sugar Board.

Adongo said they want the sugar board to be properly constituted so that it can help the farmers to access better services like loans, among others.

The farmers claim that most of the promises made to them by President William Ruto’s administration have not been delivered.