State will revive cash-strapped Sony Sugar Company, says Raila : The Standard

The Government will salvage Sony Sugar Company, ODM leader Raila Odinga told cane farmers over the weekend. While on a tour of Awendo sugar belt, Raila, who meet with a section of Migori leaders led by area Senator Ochillo Ayacko, told farmers not to panic. ''The Government is well aware of problems facing the sugar factory and is doing everything possible to salvage it from grinding to a halt,’’ he said.

Sustained efforts

The former Prime minster revealed that the State was making sustained efforts to privatise the miller alongside other State-owned sugar companies in the country.

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The companies targeted for privatisation are Chemelil, Miwani, Muhoroni and Nzoia sugar factories. Sony Sugar Company Chairman Owino Likowa and other local leaders were present. Mr Likowa confirmed that the company is yet to clear farmers' debts, totalling Sh400 million for deliveries made since February. While the miller's installed production capacity is 3,000 tonnes of cane, it hardly crushes 200 tonnes a day. Raila said plans to privatise the sugar mills to transform them into profitable companies have been approved by the Treasury, the Cabinet and Parliament.

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On June 1 last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to form and chair a task force to revive the ailing sugar industry. However, the task force, co-chaired by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, is yet to hand over its report to the President for action

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Raila OdingaSenator Ochillo AyackoMigori