Youth activisits from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP) have vowed to curtail any work proceedings at the troubled Nzoia Sugar Company following the controversial lease.
The state-owned entity was leased to a private developer identified as Rai, in a controversial move that has sparked protests from a section of local residents and regional leaders.
Led by the former Township Ward aspirant, Haroun Suleiman, the youth decried the serial lack of job opportunities as leaders embark on ‘selling’ the only job-generating industries.
“We’re very frustrated that our parents have to sell parcels of land to educate us yet we don’t have jobs, with the only job-generating industries being sold to private developers,” said Mr. Suleiman.
The businessman also threatened to disrupt any work flow at the Nzoia Sugar Company until the miller is repossessed.
“We will cause troubles across Bungoma County to make sure Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula do not enjoy any peace.
Haroun was accusing the duo of being ‘sell-outs’, blasting them for giving out the company at a throw-away price.
President William Ruto announced plans to lease out Nzoia Sugar Company in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal that he claimed, would revive the sugar miller.
Under the deal, the acquiring developer will take charge of the miller for a duration of 30 years under which it may then be repossessed by the state.
During Governor Lusaka’s first term, struggling Webuye Panpaper was sold to Rai, rebranded RaiPaper, and still struggles. Now, under Lusaka again, Rai acquired Nzoia Sugar to “revive” it.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, DAP Leader Eugene Wamalwa as well as the former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah, have all led locals in staging demonstrations in Bungoma.
In the meantime, President Ruto has revoked the appointment of the former Kanduyi MP Alfred Khang’ati as Board Chair of Nzoia Sugar Company, rendering him jobless.