Mudavadi urges end to corruption at Mumias Sugar Company

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged the new management of Mumias Sugar Company and local leaders to eliminate corruption from the management of the sugar mill.

Mudavadi reiterated that corruption presents a significant existential threat to the aspirations of employees, cane farmers, and the wider community.

Speaking in Mumias, where he accompanied President William Ruto for the launch of bonus payments for sugarcane farmers, Mudavadi noted that graft had previously led to the collapse of Mumias Sugar Company, impacting thousands of livelihoods reliant on the sugar milling factory.

“All this was as a result of mismanagement of resources and swindling of funds through unscrupulous ways by individuals who didn’t mean well for the employees and farmers.” he stated.

He pointed out that corruption is both costly and damaging, leading to the downfall of industries and institutions, and hindering economic growth.

Using Mumias Sugar Company as an example, he remarked that it has taken years for the company to begin its recovery.

“The patience farmers have displayed over the years since the collapse of the Mumias Sugar Company is unbearable. I deeply appreciate the resilience and unwavering determination they had to bear with as they endured the tough times.” regretted Mudavadi.

He called on all Kenyans to refrain from engaging in corrupt activities at all costs.

Mudavadi noted that revitalizing the sugar mill will bring benefits to investors, farmers, and businesspeople, contributing positively to the country’s GDP through increased revenue collection.

“The roaring back of Mumias Sugar Company will bring money into people’s pockets, for farmers, businesses, investors which will eventually help the government on taxes. It will also help in improving the country’s sugar production. Investors will now get best returns while farmers and employees get their favourable share of the input they give.” said Mudavadi.

“Today marks a historic moment as we roll out the first-ever bonuses for sugarcane farmers. I thank President Ruto for his relentless efforts in ensuring that the iconic roar of Mumias Sugar Company’s machines is once again producing the natural sweetness that belongs on our retail shelves and in our homes.” he acknowledged.

Mudavadi affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a thriving environment through forward-thinking policies that empower investors and sugarcane farmers to collaborate towards the revival of the sugar industry nationwide.

He noted that government interventions, such as the subsidised fertiliser programme, will significantly benefit farmers. Mudavadi remarked that Monday’s experience for the farmers, as the first recipients of sugar bonuses, signifies a new beginning not only in the sugar sector but across the agricultural sector.

He called on the people of Western Kenya to remain steadfast and support the government’s policies and programmes under the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda, which forms the foundation of President Ruto’s administration manifesto for a better Kenya.

“We need to be strategic as a people and work with President Ruto for us to move forward together as a united people and as a united Kenya. Now the President is not only my boss but also my party leader and when I decide, I am always strategic.” noted Mudavadi.