The privatisation of Nzoia Sugar Company has led to faster cane payments, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said while defending the government’s move, People Daily reported.
Wetang’ula made the remarks while addressing worshippers during Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Kongoli, Kanduyi Constituency, on February 1. He said the area forms part of the Nzoia sugar belt and urged residents to disregard criticism of the leasing arrangement.
He said the factory would continue operating and benefiting local communities following steps taken by the Kenya Kwanza government to restore its performance. Wetang’ula encouraged farmers to grow more cane and supply it to the mill, noting that payments had become faster since the factory was leased.
In a message shared on X, he said the leasing of the miller had resulted in quicker and more dependable payments for delivered cane and called on residents to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
Wetang’ula also said he had engaged National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to secure Ksh 2 billion in the next national budget to clear salary arrears and other debts owed to factory workers.
The company was leased to West Kenya Sugar Company, owned by businessman Jaswant Singh Rai, for a period of 30 years. Under the agreement, all investments made during the lease period will revert to the government at the end of the contract.
Principal Secretary for Trade and Investments Juma Mukhwana said the factory’s full recovery could take up to three years due to outdated machinery. Speaking in an interview on October 11, 2025, he said the plant, established in 1976, had deteriorated over time, with efficiency dropping to about 10 per cent, leading to frequent breakdowns and sugar losses.
Mukhwana said new machinery had been brought in from India and engineers deployed to rehabilitate the factory. He said efficiency is expected to rise to between 80 and 100 per cent once the upgrades are completed.
He also addressed concerns over job losses, saying the factory previously employed more than 6,000 workers for operations that required about 400 people, which strained finances and affected operations.
Mukhwana criticised leaders opposing the lease, accusing them of placing political interests above the welfare of farmers and workers. His remarks followed protests by opposition leaders from the Western region, including DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, DAP-K deputy leader Cleophas Malala, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka.
Despite the opposition, Wetang’ula said the government’s intervention would restore the factory’s operations and deliver long-term benefits to farmers and workers in Bungoma and neighbouring counties.
