Western Kenya Leaders Unite, Calling for Government Action to Save Sugarcane Industry

A fundraiser held at Holy Spirit Bulimbo Catholic Church in Kakamega County y transcended its initial purpose, transforming into a rallying cry for the struggling sugarcane industry. Governor Fernandes Barasa, the event’s coordinator, played host to a distinguished guest list including Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon Moses Wetangula. While the focus was on raising funds for the church’s infrastructure development, the leaders present used the platform to highlight the plight of sugarcane farmers and urge the national government to intervene.

The crux of the issue lies in provisions within the Finance Act, 2023, which leaders believe unfairly burden farmers with additional taxes. These taxes, they argue, stifle the sector’s growth potential. Governor Barasa, leveraging his position as the Lake Region Economic Bloc’s (LREB) Champion for Revitalization of the Sugar Sector, spoke passionately about these concerns. He further implored the national government to act against the recent price reduction announcement by some millers. This announcement threatens the livelihoods of farmers by proposing a steep drop in the price paid per tonne of sugarcane, from the current KSh6,000 to a meager KSh5,000 or below.

Speaker Wetangula acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured those present that the national government wouldn’t turn a blind eye to these issues. He pledged to work towards solutions, emphasizing the importance of a unified front from the Western Region. His message resonated with other prominent figures in attendance, including Governors Paul Otuoma (Busia) and Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), Deputy Governor Hon. Ayub Savula, and Roots Party Leader Prof. George Wajackoyah. Their presence, alongside several Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and local county officials, underscored the regional significance of the sugarcane industry.

The weight of this united front now rests on the shoulders of the national government. With the spotlight firmly on the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers, all eyes are on the concrete actions that will be taken to address the concerns raised by these leaders. The future of the sugarcane industry, and the livelihoods of countless farmers, hangs in the balance.