Governor Barasa backs Sarai to run Mumias Sugar

Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa has backed the current investor for the Mumias Sugar Company to continue running the miller.

The governor, who had during his campaigns promised to prioritise the revival of Mumias Sugar, also said he has planned a meeting with Sarai Group management to broker a deal on jobs.

The governor said on Friday that the company management has been paying farmers within seven days of supplying cane to the miller as agreed.

“I support the current efforts put in place by Sarai Group to fully operationalize Mumias Sugar Company. I ask our farmers to embrace sugarcane farming,” the governor said.

The governor encouraged farmers to invest more in planning sugar cane so as to ensure there is supply of cane to the miller.

“This is the best way to receive our economy...when you deliver your sugar cane to Mumias Sugar, you get payment within seven days,” he said.

Barasa said he will hold a meeting with the management next week to see how the miller can employ more youths.

“Next week I will have a meeting with Sarai about jobs for our youth,” he said.

He spoke during the memorial service of his mother, Mama Philomena Mutelwa Barasa on Friday.

Last month workers at the troubled firm asked the government to fast-track the process of landing a new investor for the miller after it failed to pay salaries amounting to Sh2.3 billion.