- The proposed zoning was "punitive" since they would be required to transport their produce to Kericho, which was a long distance
- The cane growers suggest their proximity to the factories should be used in the zoning
Image: FILE
Cane farmers in Nandi county want the proposed zoning of the growing areas amended before tabling at the senate.
The farmers also want to be represented in the sugarcane pricing committee, saying it should be all-inclusive and not a government appointed team.
The current team, they said, consists of “non-players and people who understand nothing in the growing of sugarcane”.
They suggested that proximity to the factories be used in the zoning, adding that the current proposal was “punitive” since they would be transporting their produce to Kericho, which was a long distance.
In the zoning proposal, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Kericho are lumped into a single zone, denying them a right to sell their produce to neighbouring factories in Kisumu and Kakamega.
“Whoever made the proposal did not put into consideration the distance farmers from Nandi and Uasin Gishu would cover for their produce to reach to the factories in Kericho,” one of the farmers, Robert Kiprotich said.
They said decisions were made without public participation or geographical consideration.
“The effects of the decision to zone without first considering the investments of the millers is punitive and uncalled for,” Michael Samoei, another farmer said.
They spoke at Maraba in Aldai sub-county as they handed their proposed amendments to the Sugar Bill 2022 to Nandi senator Samson Cherargei.
For easy transportation and cut production cost, they want South Nandi enjoined with Kisumu (Central region) while Central and Northern part of Nandi be zoned with Kakamega.
“If the government want the sector to be vibrant and help boost the economy, they should involve farmers in the decision making,” Samoei said.
They asked the senate to refer to the Sugar sector committee's report dubbed the “Oparanya report”.
The committee was chaired by former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Cherargei said he would spearhead the amendments so that farmers gain, adding that the proposed zoning failed to integrate the country.
“Don’t lump Kalenjins together without considering the distance of transporting the cane, we need to use it integrate our people,” the senator said.