"Even as we talk about conferences for other cash crops, we all know that most of our counties in the western region depend on sugar production".
On his part, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera who was present called for unity among western region leaders from the two major political sides; Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza.
"If we had not united then Mumias Sugar and Nzoia Sugar companies would have been sold out to private investors," Nabwera said.
He however called for a resumption of operations at the Mumias Sugar Factory and preserve jobs.
"We want Mumias Sugar to function so that our people in Kakamega can get employment".
Nabwera said that if the Finance Bill is not amended then he will vote no.
Along with DG Ayub Savula, the leaders decried the high cost of living and repeated calls for amendments on the Finance Bill 2023 which is awaiting debate at the National Assembly.