Cash-strapped Sony Sugar Company has shortlisted 14 candidates for the position of managing director showcasing the interest in the firm’s leadership.

The firm’s board of directors led by Chairman Jared Kopiyo picked the 14 from over 35 applicants who expressed interest. Among those shortlisted for the job, ahead of the planned commercialisation of the State-owned miller is the acting MD.

The Business Hub, established that the current acting MD Stephen Ligawa is in the list. He has acted for more than two years now.

He had replaced Bernard Otieno, who was hounded out of office at the height of the alleged sugar import scandal.

The other candidates shortlisted are Zakayo Gombe, James Apamo, Samson Okello, Kennedy Riaga and Aggrey Ywaya. Moses Owino, Samwel Anyanga, Joshua Oluoch, Martin Ogolla, Stephen Ojanga, Mogeni Ongera, were also shortlisted.

Also shortlisted for the job is Risper Olick of ICPAC, and one-time acting MD James Oluoch. Kopiyo confirmed that the new search for the next MD was in the process.

“We have invited them for interviews,’’ said the Chairman. He said the exercise will be free and fair

Sony Sugar Company is currently among the State-owned corporations earmarked for leasing to private investors. The company has in the last 20 years been making losses. It has been posting negative profits each financial year.

Salary arrears

It is at the moment indebted to the tune of over Sh2 billion. The money is owed to workers in salary arrears, cane farmers and suppliers for goods delivered and not paid in good time.

But now in a fresh bid, to revitalise the industry, President William Ruto has called for the divestiture of the firm. He wants the factory to be leased at least to new strategic investors to revamp it and make it profitable.

Already, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Jude Chesire, AFA Director General Willis Audi have said they are ready. “We are now ready to commercialise the mills,’’ said Chesire. He spoke as the state invited farmers last week in the local dailies to update their bank accounts for payments. The farmers will now be paid their accumulated arrears running into billions to allow the miller revert to debtless state.