Kenya’s state-owned sugar factories and senior managers are steeped in endemic corruption that has stalled the growth of the sugar industry for the past six decades, says President William Ruto.

In startling revelations, President Ruto also says illegal activities by millers and top factory management had further pushed thousands of cane farmers into abject poverty and despair.

Speaking at an interdenominational prayer service at Kadika Primary School in Suna East Constituency, the head of state questioned where funds received from sale of sugar always disappear to as farmers wait for their dues in vain. He said it was unrealistic that sugar millers collect cane from farmers, mill it and sell sugar, but when it is time to paying farmers, there is no money.

“How come there is no money to pay farmers, no salaries for employees, yet money comes in from sugar sales? What happens? The issue is mismanagement,” he questioned.

The president promised radical reforms in the sugar sector including a new leasing framework for sugar mills to commercialise operations to ensure timely payment of farmers and employees.

The remarks were made against the backdrop of mounting discontent among sugarcane farmers in the western Kenya. The farmers have long complained of delayed payment, deteriorating infrastructure and the lack of accountability in sugar milling.

“We are going to lease the mills to serious investors. Every month, farmers will be paid for their cane, just like tea, coffee, maize and wheat farmers,” he announced.

Dr Ruto assured residents that his government is committed to restoring dignity in the agricultural sector and building an economy that benefits farmers.

“We want to put money in the pockets of the common man. Farmers deserve bonuses. We are going to fix it,” he said.

Cabinet secretaries for National Treasury John Mbadi and Energy Opiyo Wandayi were present at the event. Mbadi lauded the inclusion of key road projects in the current financial year’s budget, marking a historic first for the county. The cabinet secretary revealed that in the 2024/25 financial year, there will be construction of various roads in the county, terming it as the first time Migori is seeing this level of attention.

‘I have assigned funds in the national budget that will see the construction of the Kanyawanga-Dede-Rapogi road, the Stella-Gogo road and the Posta-Maccalder road,” said Mbadi.

He also noted the government’s plan to complete stalled roads in Kuria East and West and pledged more resources to fast-track projects like the Ngege-Mapera road and the construction of a national industrial park in Maccalder.

Mbadi further highlighted the recent upgrade of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (Russia Hospital) in Kisumu to a Level 6 facility, a move he said will reduce the burden on Kenyatta and Moi national referral hospitals.

“I signed the cabinet memo that made this possible. This year alone, the hospital will receive Ksh3.2 billion from the national government. This is triple what it used to get from the county government of Kisumu,” he said.

Similarly, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, announced major upgrades in the region’s power infrastructure, citing the expansion of the Gogo Hydro-Power Plant in Uriri Constituency.

“The Gogo plant, which has stagnated at 2MW since independence, is now being expanded to 8.6 MW,” he said. “We are also building a new line from Awendo to Isebania and a modern substation in Kuria.”

The minister further disclosed that his ministry would launch a multi-billion-shilling rural electrification programme starting in Awendo to benefit the entire Migori County under the last-mile-connectivity programme.

The interdenominational prayer service was attended by leaders from Migori County led by Governor Ochillo Ayacko, who rallied support for the government and President Ruto. Ayacko revealed that presidential visit will result in more development initiatives in the county and urged other leaders to put aside political difference and work for the electorates.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By George Agimba and Polycarp Ochieng

President William Ruto while peaking during an interdenominational prayer service held at Kadika Primary School, Suna East in Migori County. Photo by courtesy.

President William Ruto shares a light moment with Energy CS Opiyo Wandy and Migori governor Dr Ochillo Ayacko during the interdenominational prayer service at Kadika Primary School. The president is on a three-day development tour in Migori County. Photo by courtesy.

Clergy and a section of Suna East residents attending the interdenominational prayer service at Kadika Primary School, where President William Ruto was a chief guest. Photo by Courtesy.