Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has clarified that the Sh150 million sugarcane bonus recently awarded to farmers in the western region did not originate from the government but from the Mumias Sugar Company. Mwaura’s statement, shared on X, aimed to dispel any misconceptions about the source of the funds, which he said were provided directly by the company. This clarification comes after mixed reactions from political leaders and the public regarding the bonus issuance.
Mwaura expressed confidence that the Mumias Sugar Company is thriving once again, marking a significant turning point for the company. The sugarcane bonus, awarded to farmers for the first time in recent history, is seen as a positive sign of recovery in the sector, which had faced years of challenges. The government spokesperson highlighted that the Sh150 million payout was a reflection of the company’s resurgence, following years of financial struggles and mismanagement.
The bonus announcement was made on January 20, during a visit by President William Ruto to Mumias. The President emphasized that the payment was a direct result of the government’s ongoing reforms in the sugar sector, which included writing off Sh117 billion in accumulated debts from the previous decades. Ruto also underscored that Kenya’s sugar production, which reached a record 832,000 tons last year, is on track to achieve surplus production by 2026, with plans to export sugar to regional markets.
While the bonus was hailed as a significant achievement for sugarcane farmers, it sparked political controversy. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka raised concerns about the lack of parliamentary approval for the bonus distribution, questioning the transparency of the funds’ allocation. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also demanded clarification on the origins of the money.
In response to Kalonzo’s claims, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula defended the initiative, urging the Wiper leader to refrain from interfering with matters concerning the struggling cane farmers of the region. Wetang’ula emphasized that the bonuses were a direct result of the government’s successful reforms, aimed at alleviating the plight of the sugarcane growers. He further criticized Kalonzo for attempting to politicize a move that was meant to benefit the farmers and uplift the local economy.
Despite the political tension, the sugarcane bonus marks a crucial moment in the revival of the sugar industry, with hopes that similar initiatives will continue to improve the livelihoods of farmers in Kenya’s western region.
