His Excellency, Kenneth Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma County, Hon. John Makali, MP Kanduyi, MCA Caleb Wanjala , County officials and other local leaders converged at Nzoia Sugar Company today, 9th December 2023 to preside over a factory start up prayer event held at the Company premises. Nzoia Sugar Factory had been on a four-month milling break since 24th July 2023, following a directive by Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) to millers in Western and Nyando regions of Kenya to cease milling operations to allow sugarcane to mature. The Factory will begin milling operations at the approved crushing capacity of 1,500 tons of cane per day and grow the capacity gradually to its optimum capacity of 3,000 tons of cane per day.
Speaking during the event, the Governor of Bungoma County, H.E Kenneth Lusaka encouraged the local leaders, Board, Management and staff to work in harmony to ensure the sugar company is revived fully since it is a driver of the economy of Bungoma County.
The Governor also lauded employees for their patience during the closure period and for their commitment despite the delay in their salaries. He confirmed that indeed the Government is working towards ensuring the farmers’ arrears and employees’ arrears are cleared and stated that the appointed County and Government auditors had concluded their work and he will be sharing the report immediately for implementation before Christmas as the President had indicated.
Nzoia Sugar Board Chairman Hon. Alfred Khang’ati also appreciated the efforts of the employees and encouraged them to work hard and be part of the revival journey through achieving their performance targets.
The sermon and prayer sessions were led by Bishop Were from the Anglican Church of Kenya, Bungoma Parish.
