THE STANDARD
FINANCIAL STANDARD
A middle-aged man transports dry canes at Mumias sugar zone, June 11, 2020. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]
Nearly a year after the National Task Force Report on the sorry state of the sugar industry, farmers are disappointed the proposed leasing of the six State-owned factories is yet to begin.
They say the factories are still facing financial difficulties despite President Uhuru Kenyatta directing Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya to fast track the revival of the sector.
Most of the factories are unable to operate at the installed optimum production capacity and are sinking into debt.
Cane farmers led by the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (KFSF) Secretary-General Ezra Okoth said there is no political goodwill to revive the sector.