Once again, Western Kenya is caught in the crossfire of political showmanship, and Nzoia Sugar Company is the latest stage. As politicians argue, trade accusations, and defend their positions with fiery rhetoric, the real victims farmers, workers, and local families are left unheard and unseen.
The controversy over the leasing of Nzoia Sugar to billionaire Jaswant Rai has opened old wounds. This is not the first time the people of Western Kenya have witnessed the commodification of their livelihoods under the guise of “revival.” Many remember the PanPaper debacle auctioned off for a song, jobs lost, hopes crushed. Forgive the skepticism; history has taught painful lessons.
The sugar industry desperately needs reform but not through backdoor deals cloaked as economic lifelines. The outcry is not just about the investor; it’s about exclusion, about decisions made without the input of the very communities who have propped up this sector for decades. It’s a betrayal when county and national leaders turn the spotlight on themselves instead of the people they swore to serve.
Why is Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya weighing in on Bungoma County matters? And why is Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka not leading the charge with bold, community-centered action? Meanwhile, the national government sends in technocrats to rationalize the lease rather than engage stakeholders directly. This is not public engagement; it’s a top-down decree.
The opposition’s outrage is equally hollow. Where were they when sugarcane farmers languished for months without pay? When factories rotted under mismanagement? This sudden concern rings performative at best.
What Western Kenya needs is not another political savior but a people-driven solution. Let’s center farmers, workers, and unions. Let’s demand transparency, community ownership models, and public audits before any lease is signed. Unfortunately, this deal is already sealed but our vigilance cannot be.
Nzoia is more than a factory. It is heritage, history, and hope. It deserves better than political theatre. Let every leader take note: this is not your campaign banner it is our lifeline. And we are watching.
