Farmers in cane-growing areas have been urged not to elect misguided individuals in the upcoming Kenya Sugar Board zonal elections. Samuel Ongou, a board member at the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and an aspirant for the Central Zone, stated that farmers have endured hardships for many years, and it is crucial to elect individuals who genuinely care for their welfare.
Speaking during a public participation forum for new sugar regulations in Kibos, Kisumu East, Ongou pointed out that some candidates running for positions are not even cane farmers themselves. He criticized these individuals for operating briefcase organizations while pretending to fight for the rights of cane farmers. Ongou also praised President William Ruto for signing the sugar bill at the last minute, noting that the president has shown a strong interest in the well-being of cane farmers.
Ongou emphasized that the new legislation has revitalized the sugar sector. Under the Kenya Kwanza administration, the sector has seen significant progress, including the writing off of KSh. 117 billion in debts. Additionally, farmers have gained access to subsidized fertilizers for the first time.
Ongou pointed out several benefits that would emerge from the new act, such as giving farmers a voice in research institutes, increasing the number of directors on the board, and having representatives on the pricing committee.
He further explained that the 40 percent deduction for cane development would help address the cane shortage that has been an ongoing issue. The new act also facilitates research into early-maturing cane varieties with high sucrose yields, which will enable payments to be based on sucrose content—a significant shift from the previous system.
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Ongou also highlighted that this change would directly benefit growers, as they would receive compensation for sugar by-products like bagasse, molasses, and co-generated electricity from milling factory turbines, marking a historic first for farmers.
Ongou lauded the President for fulfilling his pre-election promise to reform Kenya’s sugar industry, a pledge made during the 2022 election campaigns. The new legislation aims to tackle various challenges within the sector, including production, pricing, and quality control, with the ultimate goal of revitalizing the industry and supporting local farmers.
Earlier, Ongou also identified cane pricing as one of the main issues afflicting farmers and emphasized the need for better representation to ensure that their interests are properly addressed.
By Fredrick Odiero.
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