There is hope and concern surrounding the decision by the government to award Sh150 million bonus to farmers supplying raw materials to Mumias Sugar Factory.

While President William Ruto’s administration is optimistic that the move will open a new path for the struggling industry, some farmers claim the process is shrouded in mystery.

Several farmers told The Standard that the formula used to calculate the bonuses was unclear while others claim the amounts they received was less than what they had expected.

Richard Barasa, a farmer from Malaha, Mumias East, who received Sh6,000 for the 16 tonnes of cane he supplied in August 2024, voiced concerns about the lack of communication regarding the rate used to calculate the bonuses.

“We are happy to receive the bonuses, but we were not informed about the rates or the criteria used. We hope all farmers were treated fairly,” he said.

For many farmers, the bonuses also mark a significant shift in their socio-economic status, providing them with better access to healthcare, education, and other basic needs. 

Josephat Mbaka, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude: “Today marks a turning point for the sugarcane farming community. We finally feel supported by our government,” Mbaka said.

Another farmer who sought anonymity claimed the government was playing politics with the sugar industry.

“We are told we have been awarded bonuses but some of us have received peanuts,” he said, adding that there is need for clarity on the whole process.

Simon Wesechere, the Deputy Secretary of the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, has urged the government to come up with a legal framework to ensure sustainability of the initiative.

“Our biggest worry is not the payment itself but the lack of legal protection for the process. Without a framework, this could easily be discontinued in the future,” said Wesechere.

He called for amendment of the Sugar Act 2024 to make the bonus system permanent and legally binding.

The revival of Mumias Sugar Company, which has long been at the heart of Kenya’s sugar industry, is a key part of the government’s plan to rejuvenate the sector. A year ago, the miller was steeped in numerous court cases filed by West Kenya Sugar Company chairman Jaswant Singh Rai, blocking the lease of Mumias Sugar to his brother Sarbi Singh Rai of Sarrai Group.

President Ruto demanded that parties entangled in the court battle withdraw the cases.

During his tour of the Western region this week, Ruto announced that apart from financial support, the government had ramped up its efforts to boost productivity by distributing subsidised fertiliser to farmers.

After years of financial difficulties, Mumias Sugar is now processing 3,000 tonnes of sugarcane per day following the installation of a new crushing machine.

The plant’s capacity is expected to increase to 6,000 tonnes per day, providing a much-needed boost to sugar production.

The bonus payment has sparked political debate, with some questioning the source of the funds. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka raised concerns about where the money for the bonuses came from.

However, Ruto defended the payments, insisting that the funds used for the bonuses came from the same source as those used to pay bonuses to tea and coffee farmers.