Western leaders Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) and Governor George Natembeya are against the leasing deal.
By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
A section of farmers supplying cane to both Nzoia sugar company and Rai group’s West Kenya company have backed the government’s move to lease Nzoia sugar company to a private developer Jaswant Rai for a period of 30 years.
However, the privatization deal is facing strong opposition from a section of MPs, opinion leaders and Trans- Nzoia governor George Natembeya who argues that they suspect mischief in the leasing dealings.
The leaders want the leasing documents made public.
The leasing deal effect took over on Saturday on all state- owned sugar mills after handing over ceremonies were done.
Addressing the press in Webuye, farmers led by, Gregory Nabukwesi who supply cane to Rai’s owned Sugar Company said that the farmers’ are in full support of the leasing deal adding that the private owned sugar millers operating in the Western sugar belt are doing well compared to the state owned ones.
“We support the government’s move to hand over Nzoia to Rai, a private developer whom we have worked with before at his West Kenya sugar company and we have no problem with him,” Nabukwesi affirmed.
He added, “ We, the farmers of Bungoma County, stand united in our unwavering support for takeover of Nzoia sugar company by West Kenya sugar company, This is a momentous occasion that promises to bring much needed relief, prosperity and dignity to our community after years of hardship and mismanagement,”
David Opala, farmer, on his part, said that the farmers have endured the consequences of Nzoia Sugar Company’s decline noting that the farmer’s payments have been delayed, sometimes for years, leaving farmers in financial distress and unable to provide for the families.
“Workers at Nzoia sugar have gone for long without salaries, a situation that is both unjust and unsustainable,” Opala said.
Further, Opala affirmed that West Kenya Sugar Company has a proven track record of treating farmers and workers with respect they deserve.
“Farmers under their contract are paid promptly, enabling them to educate their children, develop their land and significantly improve their quality of life. This is the future we envision for Nzoia Sugar Company, a future where our hard work is rewarded and our contributions are valued,” he said.
The farmers also blamed area leaders who are opposing the leasing deal terming it an attempt to disrupt the government’s positive change by planning protests against the private developer’s handover.
“These individuals have a troubling history of contributing to the downfall of Nzoia Sugar Company. They have repeatedly pressured the previous Nzoia management for financial favors under the guise of political activities, siphoning resources that should have gone to farmers and workers,” he said.
Opala said that throughout the years of Nzoia hardships, politicians opposing the leasing of the mill never visited the Company to offer assistance or support to the struggling farmers and workers.
“Now, as we stand on the brink of a new era, they seek to incite unrest, hoping to extract bribes from new investors,” he said, adding that those opposing the leasing of Nzoia sugar company have not presented any viable alternatives to address the challenges facing the sugar sector.
Western leaders Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) and Governor George Natembeya are against the leasing deal.
