National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has defended the ongoing revival of sugar factories, saying reforms in the sector are beginning to stabilise operations but farmers still face losses from poor harvesting practices.

Speaking on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after an engagement with a delegation from Webuye East Constituency, Wetang’ula said sugarcane farmers had welcomed the return of factories that had been dormant for years but raised concerns over irregular cane harvesting.

He said inconsistent harvesting by millers and investors was still causing losses and affecting farmer incomes.

“I listened keenly to the concerns raised by sugarcane farmers. While they welcomed the revival of operations in factories that had remained dormant for years, they expressed deep concern over irregular and inconsistent harvesting by millers and investors, which continues to occasion heavy losses and negatively impact their yields,” Wetang’ula said.

He added that the government would fully implement reforms aimed at addressing delays in harvesting and preventing cane from rotting in the fields. According to him, the reforms are meant to improve efficiency across the sugar value chain and protect farmers from avoidable losses.

“I assured the over 1,000 attendees that the reforms we have consistently championed in the sugar sector will be fully implemented to address these challenges, prevent cane losses, and curb incidents of cane rotting caused by delayed harvesting,” he said.

Wetang’ula noted that the revival of sugar factories is part of wider efforts to restore productivity in a sector that has struggled for years due to mismanagement, outdated equipment, and financial distress. In earlier interventions, he has supported leasing arrangements for factories, arguing that private investment can improve efficiency and ensure timely payments to farmers.

In February 2026, Wetang’ula defended the privatisation of Nzoia Sugar Company, saying the move had already improved payment timelines for cane deliveries and helped stabilise operations.

Roads progress

During the Webuye East engagement, he also reported progress on stalled infrastructure projects. He said construction works on key roads had resumed after contractors who failed to meet deadlines were replaced.

“I also informed the gathering that construction works on previously stalled road projects have resumed. Contractors who had failed to deliver within the agreed timelines have had their contracts terminated, and competent replacements have since been engaged to ensure timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects,” he said.

Wetang’ula urged residents to support ongoing government programmes aimed at economic recovery and development, saying consistent leadership was needed to complete reforms in agriculture and infrastructure.