A past sugarcane harvesting exercise. [Photo/TheBigIssue]

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The High Court has given a go ahead for the sell of five-government owned sugar companies in Western Kenya.

This is after the court dismissed a petition filed by Western Kenya political leaders seeking to block the privatization of the sugar millers.

Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, the Council of Governors, Migori and Bungoma counties had in the petition urged that the national government has no authority to authorize into privatisation of sugar firms.

They stated that animal and crop husbandry are devolved functions.

Giving his verdict on Friday, Justice Edward Muriithi ruled the court intervene in the standoff between the Privatisation Commission and the county leaders before alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are exhausted.

The affected sugar millers include Nzoia, South Nyanza, Chemelil, Muhoroni and Miwani sugar companies.