The Kisii County Government has identified an investor to build a Sh 2.4 billion sugar factory.
Construction of the cane milling factory to be built in South Mugirango Sub County will be complete in the next two years and once complete, it will create 600 direct jobs.
Cane farmers in the region will reap huge benefits from the venture as it will significantly reduce transportation costs incurred ferrying the produce to millers in neighouring Migori and Narok Counties.
Farmers unanimously welcomed the initiative during a consultative meeting held at Nduru Boys High School in South Mugirango. The meeting was attended by senior county officials led by Executive Committee Members (ECMs) Moses Onderi (Land, Housing and Physical Planning) and Ibrahim Moiro (Trade and Industry).
“Cane farming has immense economic potential hence the decision to invest in a sugarcane factory. The factory will create direct and indirect employment besides lowering production costs,” said Moiro.
Farmers currently market their cane to Sony Sugar, Transmara and Sukari sugar factories in Narok, Migori and Narok counties. A bulk of the cane is also processed through jaggery.
“Our people stand to benefit from this factory through creation of social amenities like schools, health centres and access roads among other facilities. Current production stands at 245,000 tonnes per year but research shows this can rise to 600,000 tonnes annually with modern farming methods,” said Onderi.
Members of the Kisii County Assembly (MCAs) from all six wards in the constitueny led by minority leader Ombasa Apepo welcomed the investment. Gucha South Deputy County Commissioner Geoffrey Mayama and teacher union officials also attended.
“Sugarcane farmers will benefit as transportation costs will be reduced,” added Onderi.
Residents unanimously agreed on Nyangweta Forest as the site for the project owing to its central location providing easy access to farmers from all sub counties.
In his state of the County Address, Governor James Ongwae announced that his government would establish sugarcane and soapstone factories in the area and called on locals to support the government’s initiatives.
“We thank the county government for this iniative and urge our leaders not to politicise development projects. Let us support the county government for the greater good of residents and farmers who have suffered due to poor pay,” said Joseph Nyandoro, a cane farmer.
About Sugarcane farming in Kisii
Currently, a total of 3500 ha is under sugarcane
Annual production stands at 245,000 tonnes per year with a yield of 75,000 tonnes per ha
In 2012, 110,000 tonnes was delivered to Sony Sugar factory in Migori County while 12,000 tonnes was delivered to Sukari sugar factory in South Nyanza. 49,000 tonnes were processed as jaggery.
Research shows tonnage can increase to 600,000 tonnes per year if farmers embrace modern farming methods
Sugarcane takes 22 months on the farm. Currently, farmers incur lots of production costs because they meet transport costs to factories.
The factory will reduce transport costs hence more income to farmers.
