Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi speaks during the issuance of bonuses to farmers at Mumias Sugar Company, January 20, 2025/HANDOUTPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned the new management of Mumias Sugar Company and local leaders to keep corruption out of the management of the sugar mill.
He said corruption poses a severe existential threat to the aspirations of the employees, cane farmers, and the community.
Mudavadi noted that graft led to the collapse of the miller and affected thousands of livelihoods that were dependent on the 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 said.
The Prime CS was speaking in Mumias, where he had accompanied President William Ruto during the launch of the issuance of bonuses for sugarcane farmers.
Mudavadi condemned corruption in all its forms, saying the vice was both expensive and painful, as it has led to the collapse of industries and institutions and affected the growth of the economy.
He said the revamping of the Mumias Sugar to its former glory will bring good tidings to investors, farmers, and business people and contribute to the growth of the country’s GDP in terms of revenue collection.
"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.”
Mudavadi appreciated with admiration the patience and resilience displayed by farmers over the years since the collapse of the milling company.
He said the government was committed to creating a thriving environment with forward-thinking policies that will empower investors and sugarcane farmers to work hand in hand towards the revival of the sugar industry across the country.
The Prime CS said through government interventions like the subsidised fertiliser programme, farmers will benefit in a big way.
“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 are once again producing the natural sweetness that belongs on our retail shelves and in our homes,” he said.
Mudavadi called on the people of Western Kenya to remain steadfast and support the governments’ policies and programmes saying the award of bonuses to farmers was a testament of a new beginning not only in the sugar sector but the agricultural sector at large.
“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," Mudavadi said.
