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{
    "id": 1563692,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563692/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 100,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13599,
        "legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
        "slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
    },
    "content": "He raised concern about plans to privatise mills in his area as well. As you know, the public mills, including Nzoia, Chemilil and Muhoroni, are all listed as part of this leasing plan. I was at home for a burial last week, and the people of Bungoma, who are largely sugarcane farmers, were very clear that they will insist on the promise that was made by the Head of State when he was campaigning. That when it comes to Nzoia Sugar, the Government will invest in upgrading the machinery to improve efficiency, but they will not be leasing this sugar plant out or sell it to any third party. Prof. Anyang’-Nyong’o cited a few reasons as to why he was objecting the leasing of Chemilil and Muhoroni Sugar mills. Number one, that there was ongoing litigation. He felt that there was not effective public participation, and this process is being rushed. That it has been undertaken in an opaque nature. In fact, he listed the companies; that Chemilil Sugar Company is supposed to be leased to Kibos Sugar Company and Muhoroni Sugar Company is supposed to be leased to a company called West Valley Sugar. There are rumours that this company is associated with a Member of this House. I hope that when he contributes, he will declare that interest, as we passed a Bill in this House on conflict of interest. Hon. Speaker, because this is a matter of grave national concern, we want to be clear as leaders in this country that we do not necessarily oppose everything that is proposed. However, it is a constitutional imperative to carry the people along, so that they understand they are the biggest stakeholders. Number two, if you are leasing out the sugar mills, and the person is not interested in reviving the mills, but is only after the land owned by that particular sugar plant, there is going to be a problem. Nzoia Sugar has the biggest nucleus and the people of Bungoma will not allow that land to be taken because they consider it their land. It is only held in trust for them. Hon. Khalwale, the last time we had a plan to privatise these sugar mills, we came together as leaders and agreed that there would be no privatisation without involvement of the local community. Please, all we are calling for is to follow the constitutional imperative and Article 10 to involve our people to allow---"
}