Revival of Mumias Sugar Company Tops Kakamega County’s Economic Agenda

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has made the resurrection of Mumias Sugar Company a cornerstone of his economic agenda, describing the once‑thriving miller as the lifeline for the people of Kakamega and the wider Western region. In a recent pledge, Barasa committed to initiating negotiations with creditors and shareholders to pull back pending court cases, aiming to restore the company’s operations and stabilize the sugarcane value chain.
To achieve this, the governor‑elect said he will engage key stakeholders, including farmers, creditors, and industry players, in a concerted revival effort. He also vowed to pick up unfinished projects from his predecessor, including critical infrastructure such as a tea factory in Shinyalu and a milling plant in Lugari. Barasa argued that reviving Mumias is not just about restoring jobs, but about rekindling economic hope across the county, especially for smallholder cane growers who have been hit hard by the mill’s collapse.
While optimism is high, challenges linger. Barasa has blamed political cartels and rival millers for sabotaging earlier efforts to resurrect Mumias, warning that vested interests have dragged the process into legal battles. Analysts note that a sustainable revival will require not only court settlements but also investment in cane production—something the governor has pledged to promote by encouraging farmers to return to sugarcane farming.
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative could redefine Kakamega’s economic future. If Mumias Sugar Company is revived meaningfully, it could generate thousands of jobs, boost local incomes, and strengthen the county’s position in Kenya’s agricultural sector. However, for this to happen, Barasa must navigate legal hurdles, secure stakeholder cooperation, and ensure equitable benefits for farmers and creditors alike.