Busia leaders urge governor to save local sugar factories from closure

A crane unloads sugarcane from a tractor at Busia Sugar Industries in Segero, Nambale.[Standard, File]

Business leaders in Busia have urged Governor Paul Otuoma to act quickly to prevent the closure of Olepito and Busia Sugar factories, which provide 3,000 local jobs.

Sylvanus Abungu, chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce Busia chapter, said the revival of Mumias Sugar could spark intense competition for raw materials among regional sugar millers, threatening the viability of the two factories.

Abungu stressed that despite Mumias Sugar's return, Olepito and Busia Sugar should not be forced to shut down.

"Mumias Sugar has been revived after a long period of struggle, but that does not mean Olepito and Busia Sugar factories should collapse," Abungu said.

"There is a need to focus on cane development."

Abungu also called on the national government to step in and protect the factories, which have required significant investment to establish.

He noted that the chamber of commerce intends to write to the Kenya Sugar Board to ensure the factories can continue operating without facing raw material shortages.

"We do not want to poach raw materials," Abungu said, urging the county government to develop a sugarcane policy in line with national guidelines.

Boniface Okumu, chairman of the Busia County Bodaboda Association, warned that the closure of the factories could lead to rising insecurity in the region.

He urged Otuoma to visit the sites and assess the situation, fearing they might close in the next four months.

"These factories are trying hard to employ our people, saving them from economic hardship and boosting the local economy," Okumu said.

"If they are not protected, insecurity will rise."