Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa has come out to offer clarity on the national government’s decision to lease various sugar factories in the Western and Nyanza regions, a move that has sparked mixed reactions from political leaders and the public alike.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of a 45-bed maternity wing at Matungu Level IV Hospital, Governor Barasa emphasized that the leasing initiative is purely aimed at reviving the struggling sugar industry, not privatizing it as some have claimed.
“It is important for our leaders to distinguish between leasing and privatization. Leasing does not mean selling off our sugar factories; it is a strategy to bring in professional management, modernize operations, and ensure sustainability,” Governor Barasa explained.
According to the Governor, the sugar industry remains a lifeline for thousands of households in the region. Its collapse over the years has not only cost jobs but also devastated the rural economy. By leasing these factories to capable investors, he said, the government aims to inject new life into the sector through better technology, improved accountability, and reliable market systems for cane farmers.
Barasa further expressed concern over what he termed as “politically motivated misinformation” being spread by some leaders, accusing them of misleading the public about the policy’s true intentions. He reminded critics that the leasing plan was debated and approved by Parliament in September 2023, and therefore should not be used as a political tool.
“We must stop playing politics with the lives of farmers. Let’s give this initiative a chance to work,” he added.
The Governor’s remarks come amid growing debate about the future of Kenya’s sugar industry, with communities in sugar belt counties expressing hope that long-standing issues like delayed payments and factory mismanagement will finally be addressed.
While at the Matungu hospital site, Governor Barasa also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving health infrastructure, noting that the new maternity wing will go a long way in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the sub-county.
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