By Callys Imbai
Kakamega governor Fernandez Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula now want the national government to release the 20 percent shares it is holding in Mumias Sugar Company.
The two spoke during a homecoming ceremony for East Wanga ward MCA Francis Washika at Khabondi primary school in Mumias East on Saturday.
"I will take the follow-up of the shares with the national government as a personal responsibility," said Barasa
Barasa said it was imperative for the shares being held by the national government to be released to the county government so as to benefit the residents of Kakamega.
Barasa taking oath as Kakamega governor “I will take the follow-up of the shares with the national government as a personal responsibility.
These shares should come down here at the County because it’s the county government that is closer to the people.” Barasa said.
The giant Mumias sugar company resumed milling last week after over three years of closure.
The company stopped milling sugar in 2017 over heavy debts it owes to financial institutions and other lenders.
The company, under receivership, has recalled some former employees in the production section.
Factory operations manager Stephen Kihumba last Wednesday said the company was however still on a test run but sugar milling was on.
Savula asked President William Ruto to honour the promises he gave the people of Kakamega during the campaigns including giving the 20 percent shares to the County government.
“By the will of God, you are the President of the Republic of Kenya William Ruto.
I want to remind you that on 25th June 2022 while campaigning in Shianda, Mumias East in Kakamega you said when you get to power you will give the 20 percent shares held by the national government back to the county government of Kakamega.
This is now the appropriate time to fulfill your promise in order to help the people from this region regain their economic glory through the revival of sugar miller.
These shares will help jumpstart Mumias sugar miller to full operation.” Savula stated.
Savula said while employing, priority should be given to the people of Kakamega, especially from Wanga land where the factory is situated.
Governor Barasa asked residents of Kakamega to plant more cane in order to have enough supply to the factory.
He added that the company will be paying sh. 4,550 per tone of the cane supplied to the company within one week.
“I have also asked the company management to do away with the issue of DR. We want to start afresh, farmers to plant cane and supply to the factory in order to sustain milling,” Barasa said
The County boss albeit asked leaders to shelf their political differences along party affiliations and concentrate on service delivery to the people.
Ends.
