A section of sugarcane farmers from western Kenya wants the privatisation of sugar millers in the region to start afresh.
They support calls by governors from cane growing areas that the privatisation process to be halted.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Tuesday, the farmers said the decision to sell the sugar millers had not involved them.
Last month, Governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Okoth Obado (Migori) and Paul Chepkwony (Kericho) called for a stop of the process saying it was inconsistent.
Farmers under their union in Kisumu and Muhoroni sugar belts accused the privatisation commission of failing to outline how they will benefit from the sale of Muhoroni, Miwani, Chemelil, Nzoia and Sony Sugar companies.
Chemelil Outgrowers Company, chairman Samuel Bonyo said farmers are fully supporting the governors and demand for fresh public engagement on the privatisation.
“Farmers are of the view that the process of privatisation of the sugar factories temporarily stops until our grievances are heard and addressed,” Bonyo said.
He said the privatisation agreement did not include views they gave out calling for their involvement in the running of the sugar millers once they are sold.
“We are fully supporting the proposal by the governors over the privatisation of government-owned sugar factories that all stakeholders including farmers must be involved,” Bonyo added.
He said any other views expressed against that of governors is an individual opinion and does not reflect the wishes of farmers.
The privatisation process is part of regulations by the Common Market for East and Central Africa (Comesa) requiring all factories be sold to private developers who can fund modern and more efficient machines and also innovative projects that can increase profitability in the sector.