Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has directed the Agriculture Food Authority to investigate allegations of massive cane theft amid rising concern over weighbridge fraud.
This was even as the CS revealed that his ministry was in the process of developing tough regulations for the management of weighbridges to ensure fairness in sugarcane weighing.
Appearing before the whole house of the Senate on Wednesday, Linturi denied allegations of weighbridge fraud in the sugar belt regions but still ordered investigations.
He said that should the probe unearth any malpractices; his Ministry will take immediate action.
The CS added that AFA probe findings will guide reforms to streamline the sector.
“I am not aware of the existence of syndicates engaged in theft of cane at the weighing bridges and buying centres. The accuracy of weighbridges is the responsibility of the Weights and Measurement department,” Linturi said.
Linturi was responding to queries raised by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda on syndicates engaged in the theft of cane at weighbridges while in transit to sugar factories.
He revealed plans by his docket to draft regulations aimed at streamlining sugarcane weighbridges and protecting farmers from exploitation.
“The Cabinet Secretary is in the process of making regulations to provide management of weighing bridges to ensure fairness in weighing bridges,” Linturi said.
To reduce the cost of sugarcane transport for farmers, Linturi said several sugar companies have set up cane buying centres where cane is aggregated before being transported to the sugar mills.
Senator Ojienda urged Kilimo House to compensate sugarcane farmers and hold persons involved accountable.
Linturi’s Senate appearance came amid concern over rogue millers accused of deploying faulty weighbridges to deny farmers their dues.
The situation has caused an outcry from farmers, who claim millers are defrauding them.
Reports indicate that sugar cane farmers are losing millions for cane sold to millers for crushing.
Furthermore, CS explained the controversy surrounding the hiring of a managing director for various sugar companies.
He said terms of service for State Corporations Managing Directors are contractual and renewable based on performance in response to a question asked by Ojienda.
Linturi told the Senate that the state-owned Sugar Companies are Muhoroni, Miwani, Nzoia, Chemelil and Sony.
Currently, Muhoroni and Miwani Sugar Companies are under receivership hence under the management of receiver managers who are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
“The contractual terms and conditions of Managing Directors of State-Owned Sugar Companies are provided by the Human Resource Instruments of the respective companies, Mwongozo and State Corporations Acts,” Linturi said.
Ojienda has sought to know what measures the government has put in place to ensure effective oversight of the Board of Directors of state-owned sugar companies.
This is especially about the particular appointment and dismissal of Managing Directors, to ensure that they adhere to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
