The national government has released Sh229 million to former Pan Paper workers in a bold step to restore dignity to families whose lives depended on the factory.
The payouts to 1,349 families of former Webuye Pan Paper employees will be shared to the beneficiaries’ accounts from Monday next week, with the Company’s current operator, Rai Business Group, promising absorption of their kin in the new deal.
Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana, who hinted at several other ongoing negotiations with potential investors, said concerted efforts were geared towards ensuring Webuye regains its former glory as an industrial hub.
“We have managed to secure Sh229 million to benefit 1,349 families. These are terminal dues that the government stepped in to offset. We are done with all the paperwork, and the money will be wired into your accounts from Monday,” said Dr. Mukhwana.
These payments, he noted, were terminal dues following the dismissal as payment in lieu of notice.
“This is just the beginning of a broader revival plan,” added the PS, pointing at a series of negotiations to have Western Kenya reap big from the industrial revolution.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also graced the event, applauded the milestone, saying it brings closure to a painful chapter while opening a new window of hope for the community.
“A 45 MW power station will be installed at Nabuyole Waterfall in Bungoma County to ensure that there is enough power to support factories and manufacturing ventures throughout the Western region, including the revived Rai Paper Mills,” said Wetangula.
The leaders present lauded the government on the recent lifting of a moratorium to harvest mature trees in public forests, calling on the Rai group to flex their muscle more to absorb locals in jobs and modernise the facility.
The leaders jointly promised a coordinated effort to restore Webuye’s economic heartbeat, signalling renewed momentum to revive industries and stimulate livelihoods across the county.
“Appreciating the fact that this exercise has taken a long period and that some of the beneficiaries have since passed on, a joint committee comprising of the State Department’s officials and the former employees resolved that the payments be made to the next of kin,” noted Industry’s Secretary to Administration, Karanja Njora.
By Anne Sabuni
