West Sugar begins revival of Mumias Distillery, Co-Gen plants

KENYA – West Sugar Company has embarked on reviving the distillery and co-generation plants at Mumias Sugar Company Limited in compliance with a directive issued by President William Ruto on January 20, 2025.

In a letter addressed to Mumias Sugar Company on January 23, 2025, West Kenya Sugar Company Limited confirmed its commitment to the revival process. 

“West Kenya Sugar Company Limited are in the process of reviving the distillery and co-gen plants at Mumias Sugar Company Limited (In Receivership) in compliance with the directive issued by H.E. the President on Monday, 20th January, 2025,” the company stated.

The firm also requested permission to deploy its security personnel to guard the two plants and urged Mumias Sugar Company to cooperate in facilitating the process. 

“On instructions of the Receiver Manager, this is to request you to please allow them unhindered access to the two plants aforesaid to enable them complete their assignment,” read part of the letter.

President Ruto, during the launch of the first-ever bonus payments to farmers who supplied cane to Mumias Sugar factory on January 20, 2025, pointed out the success of the ongoing reforms in the sugar sector. 

The bonus payments, he noted, were a testament to the impact of these reforms in improving the livelihoods of farmers.

The President highlighted additional government initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector. 

These include the Sugar Act 2024, which he recently signed into law. The act establishes sugarcane catchment areas to enhance supply management, synchronize milling operations, and improve overall efficiency.

Additionally, the government is distributing subsidized fertilizer to boost productivity and increase farmers’ earnings. 

“Last year, we produced a record 832,000 metric tonnes of sugar, and we anticipate that production will continue growing. By 2026, Kenya should be a surplus producer of sugar and begin exporting to the regional market,” President Ruto stated.