By J K
SUKARI: After yesterday’s Uhuru/Museveni sugar and milk deal that literally threw the sugar industry under the bus, it is time western counties stopped expecting manna from the ”central”’ government and take the bull by the horns.
The first step would be to operationalize the western Kenya economic block. The second is to conduct a thorough study of the sugarcane belt with the main question being, does it make sense anymore to continue depending on sugar as the sole cash crop for its farmers in the region? If Yes, what will it take to put the sector back to profitability? Of course, put in money and get the right business brains to run the show, and devolve the industry too.
Remember, it is not so much about debts owed but management and high cost of production. I still do not believe we do not have the brains to sort this mess once and for all. It will take about 2 years to have the sector fully alive!
If No, then what options do farmers have? And, how do the county governments in a Public-Private partnership get them to produce (whatever it is) and start making money? You can no longer afford to sit back and watch your children miss opportunities while sugarcane is taken over by weeds in the fields.
This is a mission that does not involve tea-taking sessions at statehouse. Tea spiced with kangara has a way of dimming even the best of intentions!
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