[PHOTOS] Ruto tours revived Nzoia as sugar milling resumes

President William Ruto has said reforms in the sugar sector are restoring productivity, improving farmers' earnings and strengthening the country's agricultural sector.

Speaking during a tour of Nzoia Sugar Company in Bungoma County, where sugar milling has resumed, the President said the lives of farmers were changing for the better as a result of the ongoing reforms.

Ruto said sugar factories were returning to full productivity, with farmers now receiving payment within seven days after delivering cane. He added that farmers were also earning annual bonuses, while workers were being paid on time.

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"In the sugar sector, our factories are returning to productivity. Farmers are now paid within seven days of delivery of cane, receive yearly bonuses and workers are paid on time," he said.

The President attributed the improvements to government reforms, including the digital farmers register, lower farm input costs, the removal of cartels and changes in the management of sugar factories.

He noted that the reduction in fertiliser prices from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 had also helped farmers increase production and returns.

"Through the digital farmers register drive, reduction in the cost of farm inputs, including fertiliser from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, the elimination of cartels and reforms in the management of our sugar factories, agriculture is regaining strength and delivering better returns to farmers," Ruto said.

He said the reforms were putting more money into farmers' pockets, enhancing food security and expanding Kenya's exports.

The President also praised the progress made in upgrading Nzoia Sugar Factory and welcomed plans to construct a dam at the Nucleus Estate.

"We commend the management for the plan to build a dam at the Nucleus Estate, reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture and creating the capacity to double production," he said.

Ruto said the project would strengthen the factory's productivity and support sustainable sugar production.President William Ruto addresses farmers and workers at Nzoia sugar factory/PCS

He said sugarcane farmers were now being paid within seven days of delivering their cane, while annual bonuses and timely payment of factory workers were further strengthening the sector.