Senators suspect the closure of Kisumu-based Kibos Sugar Factory was a result of trade wars.
The Agriculture Committee on Wednesday claimed the deteriorating relationship between the miller and the National Environment Management Agency (Nema) was suspect.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said the factory had a cordial relationship with the state agency and the Agriculture ministry and was at a loss how the rapport abruptly changed, leading to its closure.
“When Kibos started operation you see a very cordial relationship with the ministry and Nema. Then all of a sudden that relationship broke down and instead of assisting the factory to comply we see an exchange of letters. At what point did the breakdown start that you moved from assistance to enforcement?” Wambua asked.
“Is the PS aware of any trade wars between Kibos and other factories because it cannot be that today I assist you (to comply) the next day I enforce?”
Kakamega's Cleophas Malala asked why the factory was treated differently from the other millers in the region.
Malala questioned Environment Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo whether the ministry and Nema have ever closed any other sugar factory for flouting environmental safety regulations.
Kiptoo, who was accompanied by Nema director-general Mamo Boru, was presenting a statement on the closure of Kibos Sugar Company to the Agriculture Committee virtually.
The statement had been sought by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
In March, Nema made an impromptu visit to the factory and ordered its shutdown over reports it was discharging waste into the environment.
Yesterday, the PS said the factory had complied with all requirements except air quality.
"Closing a factory is something you do when it is very necessary. We agreed they (Kibos) needed to work hard (to comply) because closing it is not one of the best things," the PS said.
"The ministry has nothing against Kibos except the air quality."
The committee chaired by Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga will be on a fact-finding mission to the miller tomorrow.
Kibos Sugar Factory has been on Nema radar for the last two years over pollution.
- mwaniki fm
