Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o (wrist watch) with a task force committee to investigate problems of sugar industry, September 14, 2017. [Photo|Eddy Illah]In keeping alive his campaign promises on the sugar industry, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has formed a task force committee of stakeholders, to come up with suggestions and solutions as to how the ailing sugar industry in the county can be revived and improved. The task force will cover core functions relating to cane husbandry and factory operations, processes and improvement, majoring on Chemilil and Muhoroni Sugar Factories.During a meeting with stakeholders, Thursday, Nyong'o indicated a lot of change needs to take place if the sugar industry is to be revived. "These changes have to be introduced at farm level, factory level and policy level to have a comprehensive impact on the whole sub-sector," he said. The committee will later submit its report to the governor for implementation.The sugar sector is one of the most important agricultural sectors in Western region. Up to late 90s, it employed over 35,000 workers, and was a major source of income to over 100,000 small scale farmers and supported over 2 million people. However, by 2000, the number of people employed had reduced to about 10,000.

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