LEADERS UNITE TO SUPPORT GOVERNOR OPARANYA’S EFFORTS TO REVIVE MUMIAS SUGAR COMPANY
Kakamega County leaders today voiced their support for the County government’s intervention at Mumias Sugar Company to protect public assets and revive the ailing public sugar miller.
Led by County Senator Hon. Cleophas Malala, Woman MP Hon. Elsie Muhanda, nominated senator, Hon. Naomi Shiyonga, National Assembly Chief Whip and MP for Mumias East, Hon. Benjamin Jomo Washiali and Lurambi MP Hon. Bishop Titus Khamala, the leaders categorically stated their interest in seeing a quick way out of the sugar firm’s financial doldrums as they commended the work done so far by governor Oparanya through his appointed Sugar Taskforce.
However, in response, Governor Oparanya said the work involved was too weighty for any one leader. “I appreciate your support which is commendable coming from leaders of your calibre, but I cannot succeed alone, neither can senator Malala, Hon. Elsie and Washiali,” he said.
The governor said restoration of Mumias Company to profitability was achievable only if the national government is committed to the cause. He regretted the mixed signals from Nairobi through Kenya Revenue Authority’s demand for payment of tax arrears running into billions of shillings, not to mention demand notes from major creditors of Mumias Sugar Company.
On the taskforce’s work under the leadership of CEC member for Trade, Industrialization and Tourism, Mr. Kassim Were, the governor commended the team for an excellent job adding that their report clearly demonstrated that the members had adequately interrogated the Terms of Reference.
Mr. Were highlighted some of the key actions needed to alleviate the suffering of Mumias residents, particularly cane growers, besides the revival of the factory. They included protection of public assets such as public and community land, from looting, plunder and theft. The Mumias nucleus farm measuring 4,294.8 hectares was singled out as it is supposed to be under cane and factory development including housing and school projects.
The governor agreed with the Taskforce findings including the fact that poor governance had led to the collapse of Mumias Sugar and farmers abandoning cane production. He also said anybody found to have engaged in corruption and theft of public property at the company will have their names forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission for appropriate action.
Some of the cane development strategies and sugar production operations recovery efforts recommended by the Taskforce and endorsed by the County boss include:
Availability of raw materials for sugar production, factory rehabilitation, safeguarding company assets from looters and grabbers, access to cheap credit by farmers through cooperatives and County government Investment Agency and Microfinance Corporation, to name but a few.
Besides the unveiling of Mumias revival Taskforce report, H.E. the governor launched Mumias Municipality Charter and board following the elevation of the town to Municipal status.
Among the newly appointed Board members is retired veteran sports administrator, Mr. Sam Obingo.
Also in the board is CEC member for Lands, Urban Areas and Physical Planning, Mr. Alfred Matianyi and Chief Officer, Patrick Lukoko all of whom were sworn in today.
Governor Oparanya said the major responsibility of the board was to take charge of the municipality’s planning, infrastructure development and promotion of investments as well as quality service delivery for its inhabitants.
Also present were the deputy governor H.E. Prof. Philip Museve Kutima, the speaker of the County Assembly, Hon. Morris Buluma, his deputy Hon. Leonard Kasaya, Senators Cleophas Malala and Naomi Shiyonga, County MP Elsie Muhanda, MPs Ben Washiali and Titus Khamala, Leader of majority in the County Assembly, Hon. Jodl Ongoro, leader of minority, Hon. David Ndakwa, CEC members, Chief Officers, deputy County Secretary Joshua Kutekha, Chief of Staff Robert Sumbi, County Attorney Moses Sande, deputy Chief of Staff and PA to the governor Herbert Sore, Advisors, members of the County Public Service Board, Heads of County agencies, directors and Sub County, ward and community administrators.