NSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT MEET FARMERS FROM WESTERN REGION
BY Christine Wanjala
Nzoia Sugar Board of Directors led by Board Chair Hon. Alfred Khang’ati and the Managing Director Mr. Ezron Kotut held their first farmers’ engagement meeting on 6th December 2023 at Kamba Friends Church Namwacha ahead of resumption of milling operations slated for 9th December 2023.
This is after the company suspended milling operations following a directive by Agriculture Food Authority to all sugar milling companies to halt milling operations from 24th July 2023, due to an acute cane shortage.
This was done in line with the Company’s plan to meet all stakeholders in a bid to foster good stakeholder relationships as we fully resume operations.
Speaking during the event, Board chair Hon. Alfred Khangati urged farmers to continue being patient with Nzoia Sugar as the plans by the Government to clear farmer’s arrears were underway and any time farmers will receive the accrued arrears via their bank accounts. He further urged them to bring more cane to Nzoia Sugar Company so as to support milling operations.
The Managing Director echoed what the Chairman had said and also promised to provided seed cane and fertilizer to the farmers once the company financial status improves.
He encouraged farmers to embrace new cane varieties and added that officers form the company’s Agriculture Department will be vising farmers to educate them on the new varities, cane development and maintenance.
Farmers were assured that cane payments will be taking two weeks after delivery to the weighbridge at a cost of Ksh. 6,050/- per tonne.
The meeting ended on a light note as farmers registered their full support to the Company by bringing cane to the factory.