Post: Lusaka Calls for Collective Effort to Support Cane Farmers

Bungoma: Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged regional leaders to prioritize the welfare of sugarcane farmers, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to support and improve their livelihoods. Speaking during the funeral service of Mama Rhosa Makhandia in Khasoko ward, the Governor cited an example of Nzoia Sugar Company, where leaders are selling what he termed as cheap politics of how the company was leased instead of focusing on the welfare of farmers.According to Kenya News Agency, Lusaka raised an alarm about some leaders exploiting the struggles of the ailing Nzoia Sugar Factory for political gain while farmers and employees continue to suffer. He emphasized that the factory had once been a critical source of livelihood for many workers and their families. "It is a factory that workers and families relied on for their livelihoods," he noted.The Governor pointed out that year after year, politicians use the misfortunes of Nzoia Sugar to gain cheap publicity, while farmers in the region remai n unpaid and workers remain demoralized. Lusaka called on all stakeholders, including the political wing, to address the issues at Nzoia Sugar, as farmers in the region are frustrated and workers are demoralized.He urged politicians to stop using the situation for political advantage while people's livelihoods are at stake. The Governor also asked all stakeholders not to turn the factory into a political battleground, citing that such actions only worsen the situation for those who depend on the mill."The revival of Nzoia Sugar requires the collective effort of all stakeholders," he said. These remarks came amid the ongoing debate over the future of Nzoia Sugar. Lusaka emphasized that the issue should no longer be politicized or dragged through the courts, as the leasing process is hurting all stakeholders, including farmers.