BUNGOMA, Kenya, Jul 11 – Nzoia Sugar Company has paid more than Sh700 million to farmers since resuming operations earlier this year, signalling a major turnaround for the once-troubled miller as production improves and investments begin to bear fruit.

📻 Breaking It Down

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Sohan Sharma, said the revival of operations has injected nearly Sh900 million into the Bungoma County economy through farmer payments, employee salaries and business activity linked to the factory.

According to Sharma, one of the biggest changes under the new management has been the reduction in payment delays, with farmers now receiving their dues within two weeks of delivering cane.

“The prompt payment of farmers is critical in rebuilding confidence and encouraging increased cane production in the region,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Nzoia Sugar embarked on an extensive rehabilitation programme after the current management took over operations in May 2025, undertaking upgrades across key sections of the factory including the pre-mill section, mill house, boiling house, boilers, turbines, electrical systems and civil infrastructure.

The factory resumed crushing operations in January 2026 and has since processed more than 292,980 tonnes of sugarcane.

Although the mill has an installed crushing capacity of 3,000 tonnes of cane per day, Sharma said production currently averages about 1,900 tonnes daily as efforts continue to increase supply and operational efficiency.

He noted that investments in modern equipment and technology have significantly improved factory performance, with the milling ratio reducing from between 17 and 21 to 10, an indication of improved extraction efficiency and reduced losses.

Part of the turnaround has been driven by the introduction of a digital Smart Weighment System and a Distributed Control System aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.

The new systems have eliminated manual manipulation at the weighbridge while allowing farmers to receive instant SMS notifications confirming their cane deliveries and corresponding weights.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya