Source: The Star
Writer: News Desk
The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) faces accusations of bias from sugarcane farmers and stakeholders in the Lower Western region following its decision to allow Mumias Sugar Company to resume milling, despite a prior resolution to suspend all milling activities in the area due to inadequate mature sugarcane. Farmers and business community representatives from Tangakona and Nambale protested, claiming the decision disadvantages other millers in the region—Busia Sugar and Olepito Sugar. Protesters criticized the board for failing to conduct a credible verification of cane availability before granting Mumias Sugar the go-ahead. This controversy follows the December 16, 2024, consultative meeting where all stakeholders agreed to the temporary closure of mills, subject to verification of cane stocks.
QUESTION: What measures can Kenya's sugar industry adopt to ensure equitable decision-making and prevent disputes over resource allocation and operational fairness among millers?
RESPONSE:
To foster equitable decision-making and maintain harmony within Kenya's sugar industry, the following measures can be implemented:
- Transparent Verification Processes: Establish independent verification teams to assess cane availability and operational readiness of mills before granting permissions to resume milling. Ensure that the findings are publicly accessible to enhance trust and transparency.
- Equitable Resource Distribution: Develop a resource allocation framework that ensures fair access to sugarcane by all millers in a catchment area, preventing monopolization or unfair advantage.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Organize regular consultative forums involving all stakeholders, including farmers, millers, and community representatives, to address grievances and build consensus on contentious issues.
- Policy and Regulatory Reforms: Strengthen the regulatory framework to clearly define criteria for mill operations, appeals, and resource allocation, reducing ambiguity and potential biases in decision-making.
- Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establish an independent conflict resolution committee to handle disputes between stakeholders promptly and impartially, fostering collaboration rather than competition.
Sourced and Compiled by Rosemary Wambui