Leaders meet to strategize on revival of Mumias Sugar Company

County leaders under the stewardship of Governor Wycliffe Oparanya have resolved to hold talks with national government on the revival of Mumias Sugar Company.
They said with the substantial shareholding of 20 per cent at the miller, the national government is losing a lot and therefore should find a way of reviving the factory that stopped operations three years ago.
In a strategic meeting at the Bishop Stam pastoral centre on the fringes of Kakamega town, the leaders called on the relevant state agencies to apprehend and prosecute the individuals who looted the factory coffers.
They also agreed to collaborate with the national government in the provision of security for the company’s premises and other assets.
“We are going to engage the Kenya Commercial Bank to recall the receiver manager they appointed last month,” said Oparanya who was the group’s spokesperson.
They also proposed the follow up of the miller’s debtors to repay their debts that are estimated at Sh1 billion.
“Our appeal to the company’s creditors is that they be a little more patient so that once the miller starts crushing again and stabilises financially, they will be paid,” he stated.
Among those who attended the meeting included the Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Kutima, Senator Cleophas Malala, women representative Elsie Muhanda, legislators Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), his Mumias East counterpart Benjamin Washiali and the county assembly speaker Morris Buluma.
By Sammy Mwibanda