Post: Busia Sugarcane Farmers Agree to Revive BOCO

Busia: Sugarcane farmers in Busia County have agreed on measures to revive the Busia Out-growers Company (BOCO) to ensure benefits from sugarcane farming. Speaking during a sugarcane farmers' engagement forum at Kisoko in Nambale Sub-County, Mumias Sugar (2021) Limited Head of Operations and Administration Stephen Kihumba said the forum resolved to conduct immediate registration of farmers prior to the election of new directors.According to Kenya News Agency, Kihumba stated that registration will occur within the next two weeks at the nearest chief's office, followed by elections in 21 days to appoint leaders to advocate for farmers' interests. He directed interim directors to surrender all assets to prevent mismanagement as they await their exit.Kihumba announced that all BOCO assets, including tractors, will be parked at the weighbridge for 21 days, and the bank account will be frozen until new management is in place to safeguard funds. Since taking over Milling Management, the company has submitted Sh 11.5 million to BOCO and repaired operational tractors.For the same period, Kihumba disclosed that a total of Sh18,976,057 million has been paid to the Busia County government as a remittance of their cess obligation. He commended farmers for their dedication, noting they were the largest recipients of the 2024 bonus, receiving 60% of the total bonus, amounting to Sh90 million.Kihumba highlighted the company's local impact, with 3,677 people directly employed and technology embraced in operations. Harvesting permits are available physically and digitally, and real-time alerts confirm cane tonnage for convenient monitoring.Nambale Deputy County Commissioner Caroline Onchoka urged farmers to adhere to agreed guidelines and maintain peace during the process. She emphasized administration involvement to ensure due process and warned interim BOCO leaders of legal action if they interfere with measures to restore order.Farmers led by Fobian Omwaro and Joseph Barasa expressed concerns about current leaders w ho have overstayed their interim positions, causing farmers to suffer. They praised farmer involvement in resolving BOCO issues, believing it would enable them to benefit from their hard work. The entity has faced leadership wrangles and court cases, leading to inefficacy and member suffering.