Salasya slams Kenya Sugar Board over closure of Kakamega mills

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has rejected a directive by the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) to suspend milling operations in the Kakamega region, accusing the board of showing blatant disregard for farmers and acting without proper consultation.

Addressing the press at Parliament buildings on Friday, a visibly agitated Salasya termed the move "ill-advised and unfair," warning that it risked undermining the livelihoods of thousands of sugarcane farmers in the region.

“This directive is not only ill-advised and unfair—it is a blatant show of disrespect to the very farmers whose sweat sustains this industry,” Salasya declared.

The MP said legislators from the region were not consulted ahead of the decision and only learned of the suspension through social media.

“Our people deserve better. They deserve respect,” he added.

Salasya also challenged the narrative allegedly being advanced by some millers - notably Busia Sugar and West Kenya - that Mumias Sugar has no cane to mill.

He countered the claim, stating that over 70% of cane currently being delivered to Mumias is privately grown by non-contracted farmers.

“These are not millers’ cane fields. These are the investments of hardworking farmers who stood by Mumias even during its darkest hours,” he said.

“Ironically, the same millers now blocking its revival were the first to invade Mumias’ traditional cane zones when the company went down.”

In his remarks, Salasya singled out Busia Sugar for failing to pay farmers for the past three months, while accusing West Kenya and Ole Pito Sugar of having a history of exploitation and delayed payments.

In contrast, he lauded Mumias Sugar for reviving hope and dignity in the region, saying the miller has aligned itself with President William Ruto’s broader agenda on economic empowerment and recovery.

The legislator issued a three-pronged demand to the government and the Kenya Sugar Board: immediate withdrawal of the milling suspension directive; payment of all pending dues to farmers by Busia Sugar and Ole Pito Sugar; and that future decisions on the sector involve public participation and consultation.

Salasya further urged the President to urgently reform the Kenya Sugar Board, which he said had been infiltrated by former Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) staff whose return had brought back “old and corrupt habits.”

“It is time for the Kenya Sugar Board to leave the boardrooms and walk through the villages,” he said. “Let them meet real farmers, hear their stories, and understand their pain.”

The outspoken MP vowed to stand with farmers against what he termed attempts by cartels and special miller interests to “dictate the survival” of the sugar belt.

“Enough is enough. Our farmers have spoken. We, their leaders, will defend their rights without compromise,” he said.