President William Ruto has announced that Nzoia Sugar Company will re-advertise a bid for a strategic investor in a bid to rescue the struggling miller.
Speaking in Bungoma town after commissioning the multi-million Soko Kubwa Market, the president emphasized the urgency of bringing on board new management to address years of mismanagement that have caused immense suffering for farmers and workers.
The head of state revealed that the initial bid process had been canceled and assured that within two months, a strategic partner would be identified to lease the company.
He reiterated the importance of the factoryβs revival to ensure timely payments to farmers and workers.
βI will not allow cartels opposing the lease of Nzoia Sugar to derail this process. We will deal with them decisively. If we get this right, Kenya will become one of the greatest sugar exporters. Last year, we didnβt import any sugar,β Ruto remarked.
In addition to reviving the sugar sector, President Ruto pledged to construct 15 modern markets across Bungoma County as part of his broader vision to elevate Bungoma to city status.
He further disclosed plans to develop affordable housing at the degazetted Kanduyi Airstrip, promising significant urban development.
Speaking at the same event, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka appealed to the president to fast-track the completion of critical infrastructure projects in the county.
He highlighted stalled road projects such as Musikoma-Dorufu, Sikata-Kimilili, and Misikhu-Brigadier, urging for their timely completion.
βThese roads have dragged on for far too long. We plead with you, Your Excellency, to ensure they are completed,β said Lusaka.
The governor also raised concerns about delays in construction works at Sangβalo National Polytechnic, calling on the president to intervene and address the slow pace of the contractor.
President Ruto concluded his week-long tour of Western Kenya, leaving residents hopeful for transformative changes in the region.
