Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and his Kisumu counterpart Prof Anyang Nyong'o have asked the national government to shelve plans to privatise sugar millers in Western Kenya region and instead engage respective governors for a solution that will cushion the farmers.
"We want a solution that is demonstrably viable and profitable first and foremost to the farmers before any action is taken," said Governor Wangamati.
In a joint communique in Kisumu where Wangamati had paid a courtesy call to Prof Nyong'o, the two leaders also asked the National government to give preference to Counties as buyers but also allow them a grace period within which to pay for the purchase.
Prof Nyong'o said the national government must also guarantee that the farmers and Counties will get real value for the assets of the companies including nuclear land and other properties.
The two governor decried the plight of the farmers who were on the verge of losing their livelihoods should such a decision be made.
"We cannot allow these factories to be sold for the price of a whistle when we can buy them ourselves and turn them into profitable firms," Wangamati said on Wednesday.
Prof Nyong'o asked the national government to look into the proposal they have made over the same and ensure that these factories are left in the hands of the farmers.