The Chemelil Sugar Factory in Kisumu County is beginning its journey back to full operation following significant investments in equipment modernization, a development hailed by the Kisumu County Government.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Hon. Kenneth Onyango, was present to witness the gradual start of the factory’s operations.
“The county is impressed by the investments done to revitalize the equipment because the ones that were there initially were obsolete,” Hon. Onyango stated. He added that the management’s efforts to modernize the plant would greatly enhance its efficiency.
The CECM pledged the County Government’s full support for the joint efforts by the national government and industry players to revive the Chemelil Sugar Factory.
Hon. Onyango also addressed the crucial issue of regulatory stability. He noted that while the sector previously lacked guiding laws, the Sugar Act has now been passed. He expressed optimism that the Attorney General would expedite the release of the regulations accompanying the Act, which is necessary for “sanity to prevail in the sector.”
He concluded his remarks by making a direct appeal to local growers, urging farmers to invest in sugarcane farming.
Chemelil Sugar Managing Director, Mr. Jassi Chatthe, confirmed the readiness to kick-start operations.
“Today we were ready to gather blessings as we kick start the operations of the Sugar Company,” Mr. Jassi said.
The initial technical steps have already been taken, starting with the firing of three out of the four existing boilers following their rehabilitation. Mr. Jassi announced that in the coming week, they would proceed to start the turbines and other sections of the factory.
Crucially for the local community, the Managing Director promised to issue new contracts next week, with the company intending to retain about 70% of the former employees.
