Mumias – The Mumias Sugar Company, once a leading sugar producer, resumed operations on December 1, 2023, starting with the reception of sugarcane from local farmers. In two weeks, the company is expected to release sugar to the market, pending compliance tests by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and other agencies.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mumias Sugar Company is committed to making timely weekly payments to farmers for sugarcane supplies, aiming to bolster the regional sugarcane farming industry. He encouraged farmers to cultivate and harvest mature cane, specifically those at least 16 months old, to ensure optimal weight and sucrose content, thereby maximizing their returns.
The company’s management has rehired 787 former employees, with additional staff scheduled to report for duty in the Sugar Packing area on Monday. Operations and administration manager Stephen Kihumba announced plans to further engage former employees based on necessity, particularly for roles in the Cogen and Ethanol plant.
The company has set the price per tonne of sugarcane at Sh6050, prompting other millers to adjust their prices favorably for farmers. The Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) has directed Mumias Sugar to commence crushing 2500 tons of sugarcane daily for two months until the end of January. Following this period, AFA will conduct a survey to decide whether to increase the crushing capacity or maintain the current rate.
Kihumba shared that the company has the capacity to crush 8400 tons of sugarcane daily, a goal set for when the miller becomes fully operational. Mumias Sugar is part of a cluster operating in the Lower Kakamega region, alongside Kibos Sugar Company and Olepito.
He also mentioned that the company has cultivated sugarcane on 1400 hectares of its 3400 hectares nucleus estate. The goal is to increase this coverage and to encourage local farmers, including those previously discouraged, to resume sugarcane farming, assuring them of prompt payments and adequate support.
Mumias Sugar Company is increasing its freight capacity to assist in transporting sugarcane as more farmers register with the miller. Kihumba expressed gratitude to the government, including the President and the county governor, for their support and assistance in overcoming legal challenges.