BY IBRAHIM ADOLWA.
President William Ruto has honoured his pledge of paying debts that Nzoia Sugar Company owed
to sugarcane farmers who supplied cane to the miller.
Speaking during the Nzoia Sugar Company farmers’ meeting held on 1st February at the
Company, the President stated that the government had released Sh.272 million that is meant to
pay cane farmers’ arrears dating back to early 2022.
The head of state further noted that the government had written of the Sh.57 billion debt that all
state-owned millers owed the government, and that a certificate from National Treasury had been
issued over the same.
The President noted that the government will also pump in some money to the company to support
in cane development within the expansive Nucleus Estate.
Ruto also indicated that unlike farmers, the new investor would pay staff salaries once he takes
over the running of the miller, saying the new managers will turn Nzoia from a loss-generating to
a profit-making company by enhancing its operations and protecting against the misuse of funds.
“Under the new management, Nzoia Sugar Company – whose debts have now been fully written
off – will pay farmers and workers’ dues on time,” he stated.
Responding to lawmakers who had asked him to shelve plans to lease Nzoia, it’s Nucleus Estate,
schools and other facilities, he said he had previously served as Agriculture Minister and Deputy
President, and had the midas touch to return the state-owned millers to profitability.
“The County Government of Bungoma will also enjoy an annual dividend of not less than Ksh300
million from the company,” Ruto added.
Ruto promised that Nzoia staff will receive a three month salary before he returns to lead Madaraka
Day celebrations that are slated to be held at Kanduyi stadium on 1st June this year.
During the meeting, the head of state also issued cheques to farmers and flagged off the National
Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, to increase farm output in the region.
The meeting was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, National Assembly Speaker
Moses Wetangula, CSs Susan Nakhumicha and Ezekiel Machogu, Bungoma County Governor
Kenneth Lusaka, Senator Wafula Wakoli, a host of legislators from the region among other
dignitaries.