NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has clarified that the Sh150 million sugarcane bonus recently awarded to farmers in Western Kenya originated from Mumias Sugar Company and not public funds.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed concerns raised by some leaders, asserting the funds were a result of the sugar miller’s improved performance under recent reforms.
“The Sh150 million sugarcane bonus awarded to farmers came directly from Mumias Sugar Company and not from state coffers. The company is thriving once again, with farmers having received their sugar bonus for the first time in recent history,” Mwaura stated in a post on X.
CLARIFICATION ON SUGAR BONUS 1. The Ksh 150M Sugarcane bonus awarded to farmers came directly from Mumias Sugar company and not from State coffers. The company is thriving once again, with farmers having received their sugarbonus for the first time in recent history.
This comes in the wake of the January 20 launch of the bonus payments by President William Ruto in Mumias.
During the event, the President hailed the milestone as a testament to the success of reforms in the sugar sector.
“With a record 832,000 tons of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to attaining surplus production and commence regional exports by 2026, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” President Ruto said.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions among leaders and citizens.
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka questioned the source of the funds, alleging that the Sh150 million payout bypassed parliamentary approval.
He further accused the government of using the bonus as a political tool to win over the Western region.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya echoed similar sentiments, demanding transparency on the origin of the funds.
In response, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula dismissed Kalonzo’s claims, defending the initiative.
“Kalonzo’s outbursts on the issuance of cane bonuses to our struggling farmers are misplaced. He should keep off the matter because he is not privy to the untold suffering cane growers have been encountering,” Wetang’ula remarked during a presidential development tour of the region.
Mwaura also underscored that the government has fulfilled its “pesa mfukoni” (money in the pocket) promise, pointing to reforms that wiped out Sh117 billion in debts accumulated over four decades.
“These reforms have revived factories back to profitability, hence pushing direct benefits to the farmers on the ground,” he said.
The reforms, credited with stabilizing Mumias Sugar, have reignited hopes for the sector’s recovery, with the government projecting regional sugar exports by 2026.
