Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has assured residents that Nzoia Sugar Company would not be sold without public participation.
Lusaka made the remarks while addressing mourners at the funeral of Andrew Wataka, a former teacher at Kibabii Boys High School, in Muyayi village, Kanduyi constituency.
‘I want to warn those political opportunists who are hoping that the company will be sold under our watch so they can gain cheap political capital,’ Lusaka said.
The Governor emphasized that the area leadership has held talks with the President and expressed their views on how to revive Nzoia Sugar.
‘I am assuring farmers that farmers will receive timely payments for their sugarcane deliveries and workers paid,’ said the Governor
Lusaka announced that arrangements have been made to pay both workers and farmers within the next few days.
However, he firmly rejected suggestions that the county government takes over the company, stating that ‘governments are not good at doing business.’
He pointed out that the fac
tory sits on an expansive public land donated by the local community for expansion, and some residents were even resettled to make way for the development, hence the need for their involvement.
Lusaka vowed that the community would not allow the land to be sold without their involvement.
He insisted that a solution must be found to make the factory self-sustaining and operational.
Kanduyi MP John Makali echoed Lusaka’s sentiments and criticized some leaders for spreading propaganda and falsehoods.
Makali assured residents that any decisions regarding the company would be made with transparency and public participation.
Source: Kenya News Agency
RUNDU: A government official from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism was arrested on Thursday for the alleged misuse of a government vehicle to transport 39 bags (50 kilograms) of private animal feed without the necessary permits.
The Namibian Police Force’s Acting Regional Commander in the Kavango East Region, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu, told Nampa on Sunday that the suspect was allegedly transporting the 39 bags from a dwelling in Sauyemwa informal settlement to his house in Tuhingireni informal settlement.
The suspect had also allegedly intended to drop the 39 bags off at his farm at Karukuhwisa village at a later stage, however he was intercepted by an undercover police officer.
The 39 bags of animal feed were seized.
The suspect is set to make his first appearance in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Nambahu said government vehicles are issued with a monthly trip authority that describes the role of the vehicle, whether administrative or operational, and indicates who the
assigned driver is.
‘All trips are controlled and authorised by a supervisor. However, some of the drivers are taking a chance, especially after working hours, to carry out and conduct private businesses. A situation that is totally unbecoming,’ he said.
He further warned drivers of official vehicles to cease this practice and that the supervisors responsible must ensure proper control over these fleets.
‘No official vehicle will be expected to be spotted parked at bars or being driven after hours unless having an exception to drive after hours because of the critical nature of duties performed. Our undercover operatives are on the ground to observe these kinds of practices and whoever is observed doing that will be brought to order through the court of law,’ he stated.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency