Khalwale opposes plans to sell millers
By dennis-lumiti, April 13, 2023Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale says he will resist any plans to privatise Mumias and Nzoia sugar companies.
Khalwale (pictured) yesterday said placing the two firms fully into private ownership would have a negative impact on the economic prospects of the Western region.
He said the two millers were the only existing legacies of the region after the privatisation of other firms such as Webuye Pan-Paper Mills.
He said he would not allow the Kenya Kwanza administration to “auction” the companies.
“I am a senior member of the Kenya Kwanza government but their proposals to privatise a number of companies without even involving stakeholders is a joke,” he said.
He added: “Our forefathers contributed heavily towards the establishment of Mumias and Nzoia sugar companies and there is no way I will allow them to be fully privatised.”
Speaking in Kakamega, the senator claimed that most of those interested in the two millers were after the thousands of hectares of land and other property.
“If the National government feels they no longer see the value of their shares in these millers then they should cede them to Kakamega and Bungoma county governments,” he added.
He pointed out that the county governments would source for funds to inject into the companies if they inherit the shares.
Khalwale said local residents were yet to recover from the buying out of Pan-Paper Mills which has never been revived.