The decision by a Bungoma Court to close down Busia Sugar Company has elicited displeasure among sugar cane farmers in the region.
The farmers say the move will cripple the region’s economy and their livelihoods.
The decision by a Bungoma Court to shut down the multi-billion shilling factory in Busibwabo, Nambale sub county emanated from a petition by West Kenya Sugar Company, which has a cane crushing centre at Olepito in Teso South constituency, approximately 15 kilometers from Busibwabo.
The successful petition against Busia Sugar factory was on grounds that the factory acquired its license illegally and unlawfully.
In 2015, the interim Sugar Directorate boss Rosemary Mkok directed West Kenya to stop the construction of a sugar milling plant at Olepito in Teso South as it was a few kilometers from Tangakona where Busia Sugar Company had a sugar cane weigh bridge.
Photo: smartinvestor.co.ke