Uncertainty for farmers and workers as sugar firms halt production
Tough times lie ahead for farmers and workers in the Nyanza and Western Kenya sugar belts following the temporary suspension of production.
The decision by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to suspend sugar production in the country for more than four months is meant to allow for the maturation of sugar cane.
The regulator has given licensed millers until November 30 to resume operations following a consultative meeting held in Kisumu on July 13.
West Kenya and Olepito factories, run by the Rai family, have suspended crushing while the neighbouring Butali Sugar Mills will cease operations indefinitely from today. During this period, Butali’s managing director Sanjay Patel said they would carry out major maintenance.
“We take this opportunity to thank our loyal farmers for their continued support and look forward to resuming operations in the near future,” he said in a statement.
The fate of the workers remains unknown as the firm has not provided any information on the matter.
Annual leave
At West Kenya, with the exception of those working in critical areas, other employees will be required to take paid annual leave until July 31.
“The company will use this period to undertake a consultation process, after which you will be advised of the way forward, said the firm’s managing director Sohan Sharma.
He promised that the company would treat all employees with dignity and fairness during the period, noting that this was a temporary matter.
“We also wish to advise that this is a temporary measure which the company expects to normalise within the specified period, after which the company will return to normal operations. These are difficult times for everyone and the company, I ask for your support and cooperation so that we can emerge stronger once the situation normalises,” Mr Sharma said.
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