The CEO and Founder of Busia Sugar Industry Ltd, Ali Ahmed Taib, has officially taken over the operations of Sony Sugar Company.
The handover ceremony was held at the factory premises in
Awendo, Migori County.
During the event, Taib—accompanied by company chair Jared
Kopiyo—was assured by investor Ali Ahmed Taib that the welfare of workers and
the interests of sugarcane farmers would remain a top priority under the new
management.
The takeover of Muhoroni Sugar came on the very day Muhoroni
Sugar Factory officially transitioned to new management following its handover
to West Valley Sugar Company Ltd.
The handover was presided over by the factory’s receiver
manager, Harun Kirui, and received by West Valley Chairman, Alfred Soi.
Representing the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr.
Kipronoh Ronoh, was. Elizabeth Yego, who witnessed the event.
West Valley Sugar Company pledged to prioritise the welfare
of sugarcane farmers through timely payments, the introduction of high-yield
cane varieties, and the efficient distribution of fertiliser.
Additionally, factory workers have been assured of a smooth transition, with the company projecting increased employment opportunities rather than layoffs, thanks to anticipated improvements in factory productivity.
At the same time, West Kenya Sugar Company, under the
leadership of Chairman Jaswant Rai, took over operations at Nzoia Sugar
Factory.
The handover was conducted by the board chair Alfred
Khang'ati, marking a new chapter for the struggling mill.
As part of its commitment, West Kenya Sugar will invest
Sh5.6 billion to rehabilitate and modernise the factory to ensure efficient
operations.
“The company plans to undertake extensive cane development
in the region to support sustained production. Farmers supplying sugarcane to
the mill will also benefit from timely payments, to boost morale and
productivity in the sector,” he said.
Chairman Rai emphasised that the welfare of workers will be
a top priority and pledged close collaboration with the local community to
ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the revitalisation.
Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Limited operations was
handed over Chemelil Sugar Company.
Jassi Chatthe, Director of Kibos Sugar, assumed control of
the ailing mill Saturday morning.
He met with workers and farmers at the factory to discuss
the roadmap for revitalizing the company, which has faced prolonged operational
challenges.
The government
completed the long-awaited leasing of four public sugar factories,
marking a turning point in efforts to breathe life back into Kenya’s
once-thriving sugar sector.
Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe said
the government officially handed over the operations of Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony,
and Muhoroni sugar companies to private millers under a 30-year lease.
