Mumias Sugar factory set to reopen next month

Leaders from Western Kenya have announced that Mumias Sugar Company will resume full operations by next month.

The leaders, who held a development agenda meeting with President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi on Saturday morning, agreed on a lasting solution that will guarantee sustainable operations of the cash-strapped sugar company and the continuous livelihoods of the farmers.

The leaders, in a subsequent press conference, said they also agreed on the completion framework of the Bukhungu International Stadium.

This also includes immediate investment by the national and county governments to ensure that the stadium meets international standards to enable hosting of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 and African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

Other Western development agendas discussed include the completion of Kakamega Level 6 teaching and referral hospital and expansion of Kakamega airport.

“We’re aware of the Cabinet approval of Ksh.117 billion debts owed by 5 factories, which did not include Mumias Sugar. So one of the discussion points that we have agreed with the President is that he’s going to have a specific team to look into the debts of Mumias Sugar, but the most important thing is to ensure that the factory starts operations from December 1 so that farmers are paid once they deliver their sugarcane,” said Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale added: “Today’s meeting focused on Mumias Sugar and we are quite pleased to announce to our people that from next month, they’ll be free to sell their sugarcane to Mumias Sugar, West Kenya, Nzoia etc.”