Mumias Sugar Company CEO: My biggest task is to win over farmers

Outgoing Mumias Sugar Company MD Coutts Otolo (left) and the new CEO Eroll Johnston (Right) during official handing over function at Mumias on August 14, 2015. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN SAKWA

Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) new Chief Executive Officer Errol Johnston says his biggest task is winning over farmers who supply the miller with cane.

“My main plan is to win back the confidence of sugarcane farmers through prompt payment of their dues as we embark on recovery of this mighty miller,” Johnston said as he took over leadership of the firm.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the company’s premises in Mumias, Johnston said importation of cheap sugar into the country is a challenge but it is not a new issue in the industry.

“During my first tenure here, this issue was there and we have a strategy to ensure we tackle it successfully. My main motivation is the future, the past will not deter us from reviving this company. With my new team, we are ready to deliver,” he promised.

Johnston further said the company has released Sh360 million from the Sh500 million set aside for farmers’ bailout and promised to complete paying farmers in two weeks. Johnston served in the same capacity between 1998 and 2001.

“I am not new here having been in this company from 1978 and even my daughter was born here. With the support of all stakeholders, it won’t be easy but we have already started,” he said.

Outgoing CEO Coutts Otolo said the miller has made tremendous improvement towards its financial recovery. “This is the turning point of Mumias. I am confident the new team will deliver on the development agenda,” said Otolo.

The board chairman Dan Ameyo promised the new CEO of the board’s full support and urged him to ensure he regains the government, farmers and financial institution’s support.

“With your experience, the board has a lot of expectations from you. We are sure you are the right person to turn around the company. We will support you and give you conducive environment to ensure you work well,” said Ameyo.

Ameyo said the company will soon fill the vacant positions of chief financial officer and agricultural services officer.