Ruto's Kakamega tour a mockery, cane farmers say

Western
By Benard Lusigi | Aug 18, 2024
President William Ruto during groundbreaking ceremony for the Malava Cluster Water Supply project at Myundi in Malava Sub-county in Kakamega county on August 17, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Sugarcane farmers in the Western region have said President William Ruto's tour of Kakamega failed to address their grievances, saying he did not come up with a solution to the drop in sugarcane prices.

Last week, farmers accused the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) of colluding with cartels following a drop in the price of a tonne of cane from Sh5,100 to Sh4,950.

Previously, sugar factories were paying farmers Sh6,500 per tonne of cane before the AFA reviewed the price to Sh5,100 in March. The Interim Sugarcane Pricing Committee announced the new price on August 8.

"Following the expiry of the interim cane pricing committee in the absence of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary to appoint the same, the price for cane per tonne in the interim is guided at Sh4,950," read a statement from AFA acting Director Jude Chesire.

While in Malava on Saturday, during the launch of the Sh2 billion water project, President Ruto said he will address the price problem.

"I am being told that the price of cane has slightly dropped, these people (AFA) I will be hard on them, because we want the farmer to get his/her rightful share."

But Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Secretary General Simon Wesechere said the President was not committed to reviving the sugar sector. He said Ruto had failed to sign the 2022 Sugar Bill into law.

"The President is part of the problem facing cane farmers, his promises and roadside declarations are not helping. His purported empathy with farmers is like crocodile tears," said Wesechere.

Share this story
Kenya's Afcon dream is under threat as FKF officials fight
FKF president Hussein Mohamed insists the National Executive Committee meeting of April 24, which voted to suspend him, was irregular, unconstitutional, and in his own words, a coup.
Kenyans now shift focus to Commonwealth Games after shining at Africa meet in Accra
After an overall second place in the continent at the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships, Kenyan stars have firmly set their sights on the Commonwealth Games in July.
New motorsports body up and running with autocross action at Stoni Athi
There was jubilation as fans welcomed the recognition of Motorsports Kenya Federation by the government as the official and legitimate motorsport governing body in the country.
Fight for survival now down to one team as Bidco, Sofapaka relegated
The battle to survive relegation in the SportPesa Premier League is set for a tense finish with five clubs still fighting to avoid joining Bidco United and Sofapaka in the National Super League.
World Boxing and IBA fete Kenyan referees as Mwaura promoted
Two Star 3 Kenyan referees and judges have been feted by World Boxing (WB) as Edward Kibunja Mwaura of Kenya Prisons was promoted by International Boxing Association. 
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS