Mwaura: Sh150m cane bonus from Mumias Company, not state

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura speaking during a press briefing with the media at KICC.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said the Sh150 million sugarcane bonus awarded to farmers in the western region was from the Mumias Sugar Company.

The Spokesman clarified, saying the funds were not from the government.

In a statement on X, Mwaura expressed confidence that the company was thriving, saying it was a turning point for them.

“The Sh150 million sugarcane bonus awarded to farmers came directly from Mumias Sugar Company and not from state coffers. The company is thriving once again, with farmers having received their sugar bonus for the first time in recent history,” Mwaura said.

On January 20, President William Ruto launched the issuance of bonuses for sugarcane farmers in Mumias.

The President said the move not only validates the success of the reforms but also amplifies the sugar sector's potential to uplift farmers and support thousands of livelihoods in our country.

“With a record 832,000 tons of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to attaining surplus production and commence regional exports by 2026, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” the President said.

On Friday, Mwaura said the government has also fulfilled the promise of pesa mfukoni. The government spokesperson said sugar reforms wrote off Sh117 billion in debts accumulated in 40 years.

He said the reforms have revived factories back to profitability, hence pushing direct benefits to the farmers on the ground.

The launch of the issuance of bonuses for sugarcane farmers caused mixed reactions among Kenyans and leaders.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday alleged that the Sh150 million made available to sugarcane farmers in Kakamega by the Head of State was done without Parliament's approval.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has separately demanded to know where the funds were drawn from.

However, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula asked Kalonzo to keep off the initiative.

"Kalonzo's outbursts on the issuance of cane bonuses to our struggling farmers are misplaced. He should keep off the matter because he is not privy to the untold suffering cane growers have been encountering," Wetang'ula said.

The Wiper Party leader alleged that the bonuses were meant to entice the region to back the government.

The Speaker made the remarks during President William Ruto’s development tour of Western Kenya.