Mumias Sugar is well known as one of the largest sugar companies in Kenya and East Africa in general.
It collapsed in September 2019. This was effected by defaulting loans from creditors, huge power bills, and tax arrears. Thousands of employees lost their jobs leading to low living standards for residents from Western and the country in general.
Farmers might have a reason to smile after the new government made a commitment to revive the industry.
On June 17, while addressing Mumias residents at Bomas, then Deputy President William Ruto promised to revive Mumias Sugar to its normal standards.
Besides, on August 31, Kakamega governor candidate Fernandes Barasa also pledged to prioritize reviving Mumias Sugar company within the first 100 days in the office.
Now, they are in the office.
Lack of employment is a major problem facing the youth in this country. It would be a great opportunity for some of them to get employed by the company, while others choose to specialise in sugarcane farming and maintenance. The industry will also create other indirect jobs in other sectors along the sugar business as well as transport and trading.
This will reduce the high level of unemployment cases more so for residents of Western region. Eyes are now upon the governments, both county and national.
Residents are looking forward to the leaders proving the exact words of their leaders in action. Once the company is set to its normal working conditions, it will not only benefit western residents but also the country in general.
As usual, a lot of money will be earned from grade one sugar through foreign exchange. It will also attract foreign investors to partner with the country and it will also lead to further development of infrastructure in the developing urban areas.
Robinson Barasa is a media student, Rongo University.
