State extends Nzoia Sugar MD's term by an extra six months

Saul Wasilwa - MD Nzoia sugar

The Government has extended Nzoia Sugar Company (NSC) Managing Director Saul Wasilwa's (pictured) contract by six months to make it possible for the privitisation process to take place.

According to a letter dated May 4, written by Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki addressed to NSC board Chairman Joash Wamang'oli, Wasilwa's term of service was to expire yesterday.

"You are advised to give Mr Wasilwa a six-month extension of term to enable the Board settle and advise the Ministry on the matter," read the letter.

The communication was also copied to Acting Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua and State Corporations Advisory Committee Secretary Jane Mugambi.

GOOD JOB

The PS said NSC is among State corporations targeted for privatisation, a process that was recently approved by Parliament, hence the process of recruitment of a new CEO should be put on hold pending further communication.

Following the extension of Wasilwa's term, Woman Rep Dr Reginalda Wanyonyi thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for the move saying it will help stabilise the sugar company.

"It is clear that the current MD has managed to steer the sugar firm well despite the many problems bedeviling the sector.

We hail the President's move to extent Wasilwa's contract and urge that he is eventually awarded a new three-year term upon expiry of the current six months," she said.

The woman rep said now that the impasse, which has dragged on for months, has now been resolved, local politicians should stop fronting names for nominations and should instead lend their support to Wasilwa.

The MD was appointed in 2008 to replace Francis Akoyo after serving for many years as the company secretary.

He is credited with being behind the company's rapid expansion, which has seen it increase its cane crushing capacity from 1,000 tonnes at the time he took over office, to the current 3,000-tonne daily capacity.

Majority of the farmers interviewed by The Standard expressed their joy over news that Wasilwa's term had been extended saying they hoped to see even more new projects introduced at the company.