NAIROBI, Kenya- Sugarcane farmers in Kenya are set to receive a sweet surprise in January 2025, as President William Ruto announced the introduction of bonuses for their hard work.
This marks a historic shift, powered by ambitious reforms to revive the country’s struggling sugar industry.
During the Kakamega Governor’s Cup 2024 tournament held at the Mumias Sports Complex, President Ruto unveiled plans aimed at reinvigorating the sugar industry.
Central to this initiative is the leasing of Mumias Sugar Company, which has been placed under new management. This strategic move ensures timely payments for farmers and workers while aligning their benefits with those of tea and coffee farmers.
“The leasing programme is going to give us the resources to pay our hard-working farmers a bonus for their supply of cane to Mumias factory,” President Ruto stated.
The reforms have borne fruit, as Kenya’s sugar production has surged, reducing reliance on imports. “We no longer have to use foreign exchange to import sugar,” he proudly noted, highlighting the farmers’ contributions to achieving this milestone.
Switching gears to sports, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering talent and enhancing infrastructure. The construction of Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium is set to receive a KSh760 million boost, aimed at completing the 30,000-seat facility.
However, President Ruto expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of renovations, urging contractors to accelerate progress and meet expected standards. “The contractor must raise the bar for the facility’s facelift to be completed in time,” he emphasized.
The government’s investment in sports aligns with its vision to unlock Kenya’s untapped potential in athletics and other games.
This was evidenced by the President congratulating Mumias Veterans and Butsotso Queens for clinching victories in their respective male and female categories during the tournament.
These developments signal a promising future for sugar farmers and the broader Kakamega community.
With reforms driving financial incentives and infrastructural upgrades, local economies are poised for growth.
