Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-28 11:17:18
The National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, has revealed a revival plan for the struggling sugar sector. He announced that MPs have approved a supplementary budget of Sh1.7 billion to support the industry. Out of this amount, at least Sh300 million will be disbursed to Nzoia Sugar Factory. Wetang’ula dismissed claims that there were plans to sell the industry.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi is set to visit the factory to hand over the Sh300 million. Wetang’ula also announced that out of the Sh300 million, Sh250 million will be used to settle debts owed to farmers, and the remaining Sh50 million will be used to pay outstanding workers’ salaries.
During the funeral service of Antony Maloba, Wetang’ula accused some leaders, including former cabinet secretary Eugine Wamalwa and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, of spreading propaganda about the sugar mill and using the miller’s plight to revive their political careers.
Wetang’ula expressed his happiness that Nzoia Sugar Factory is on the road to recovery as it has resumed milling activities and farmers will be paid their dues two weeks after delivering their cane. He urged farmers to take advantage of the government’s revival plans to support the factory to achieve full milling capacity.
Wetang’ula also announced a planned meeting between Bungoma leaders and President Ruto to follow up on the status of projects promised during the President’s visit to the county.
He assured that the National Assembly is committed to supporting plans to revive the ailing sugar factories. Wetang’ula emphasized that the majority of farmers, especially those in the Western region, had suffered as a result of the collapse of the factories. He indicated that the National Assembly would ensure that funds allocated for the revival of the factories are utilized for the purpose.
