By R, KNA
Sugarcane farmers in Miwani area, Nyando Sub-County, in Kisumu County are opposed to g a proposed residential development, arguing that the land should remain reserved for agriculture.
The farmers staged a walkout during a public participation forum convened by environmental consultants representing the Safaricom Investment Cooperative Society, which recently acquired more than 100 acres in the area.
The exercise was meant to validate plans for land subdivision, beaconing, fencing, and murram grading.
Wellington Okumu, one of the farmers, criticized the process, saying the consultations were poorly publicized to limit local turnout.
He warned that turning agricultural land into residential estates would undermine cane farming, which has been the backbone of the region.
“The project is in an agricultural zone reserved for cane production. Subdividing it will pile pressure on agriculture and fuel more calls to convert farmland into residential use,” Okumu said.
Dismas Ogondi, another resident, echoed the concerns stressing that while the landowner is free to pursue agricultural ventures, breaking it into plots for housing is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries (KSAIL), a major player in the sugar sector, joined the farmers in opposing the plan.
Joyce Opondo, KSAIL Group Corporate Affairs Manager, noted that the land in dispute supplies the company with up to 40,000 tons of sugarcane annually.
She warned that allowing the development would set a precedent for more agricultural land to be carved out for residential purposes, jeopardizing the future of sugar production in the region.