Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly condemned the collapse and irregular operations of Muhoroni, Chemelil and Miwani sugar factories, saying the crisis has crippled the economies of Kenya’s sugar belt.

Speaking to residents of Awasi in Nyando Sub-County after holding public engagements with locals in Nyakach and Muhoroni regions, Orengo raised concerns over the collapse of sugar industries, rising unemployment and the poor state of roads in the area.

He noted that the long-standing crisis Muhoroni Sugar Company faces marked by closure and irregular operations have left many families struggling economically. The veteran politician argued that the people of Muhoroni, Nyando, Chemelil and Miwani are tired of political promises that fail to address their daily struggles.

“The people of Awasi have said they cannot be politically persuaded until the government explains why Muhoroni Sugar Company is not working,” he stated.

The Siaya county chief questioned why factories that once sustained thousands of livelihoods continue to operate intermittently while local youth remain unemployed. According to Orengo, residents are demanding accountability over employment practices in the sugar belt, arguing that locals should be prioritized whenever opportunities arise.

“The people of Muhoroni must have jobs before you give other people jobs,” he said, drawing applause from sections of the crowd.

The Siaya governor further linked the economic struggles to poor infrastructure, lamenting the deteriorating state of roads in sugar-growing areas.  He claimed that roads that were once tarmacked had become dusty murram surfaces, making transportation difficult for farmers and traders.

Orengo argued that with growing disillusionment, the locals cannot claim to be part of a broad-based government citing continued neglect and the collapse of the local economy.

“I witnessed a heartbreaking testament to government neglect starting with the crumbling infrastructure that makes basic movement a struggle. The silence of the Muhoroni Sugar Factory chimneys is not merely an industrial failure, it is a direct assault on the livelihoods of thousands of families who now face an uncertain future,” he stated.

At the same time, the county boss condemned of land-grabbing in the factory’s nucleus estate and in Miwani, accusing outsiders of displacing local residents and fuelling deadly border conflicts, which he described as a grave injustice to the affected communities.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Robert Ojwang and Wendy Awuor