The Council of Governors (COG) has endorsed the government’s initiative to lease four state-owned sugar factories to private investors, terming it a crucial step in revitalizing the struggling sugar industry.
COG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi, Vice Chair Mutahi Kahiga, and the Chair of the COG Agriculture Committee, Ken Lusaka, expressed strong support for the ongoing reforms during a forum held in Mombasa. They urged stakeholders to avoid politicizing the process, emphasizing that the leasing initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, who officially opened the engagement forum with County Executive Committee Members for Agriculture from all 47 counties, reiterated the benefits of the leasing strategy. He noted that the sugar sector generates over Ksh 14 billion, a figure that significantly supports farmers and enhances operational performance of the factories.
The leaders emphasized that the reforms are designed to benefit farmers directly and create a more competitive and productive sugar industry across the country.
Written By Rodney Mbua
