MP against privatisation State-owned sugar companies

Muhoroni MP James K'Oyoo now wants the Government to halt privatisation of State-owned sugar companies until farmers' concerns are addressed.

The farmers are opposed to recommendations to merge Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar companies saying the move would lead to job losses.

Speaking to The Standard, Mr K'Oyoo said the Government should instead enhance the farmers' capacities by giving them money, through sugar companies, to enable them buy the 30 per cent shares reserved for them.

The MP asked the Government to repossess land that was irregularly issued by previous regimes to private individuals in the region to enable the two mills operate independently.

"They are arguing that the two mills don't have enough farms to plant canes. The previous regime alienated huge chunks of land and gave it to individuals. The Government should first reposes such land and hand it back to the companies," he said.

K'Oyoo suggested that the ownership of the mills should be handed over to counties for management.

"But given the way our counties are run, we should bring main stakeholders including farmers, MPs and governors together to chat the way forward. Sugar is a huge sector supporting millions of people," he said.