Nzoia Sugar Company has resumed milling operations after a seven-month silence, following a takeover by new owners under lease terms.
The factory underwent an extensive overhaul after it was taken over by West Kenya Sugar Company. Critical repairs were carried out on the main power turbines, mill turbines, roller shells, boiler tubes, and milling units. Additional upgrades included improvements to cane preparation equipment, evaporator sets, sugar and water pumps, as well as the automation of key factory sections.
Isaac Wasike, the factory’s process manager, noted that the decision by the government to lease out the miller saved it from imminent collapse.
He confirmed that the rehabilitation works were completed, enabling the factory to mill at its installed capacity of 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.
“The factory is now in the best condition it should be to mill efficiently. For nearly a decade, the plant was not adequately maintained, which affected performance and resulted in frequent breakdowns,” Mr Wasike said.
As a result of the overhaul, the extraction rate is expected to reach 96 percent, while the cane-to-sugar ratio has improved to 10:1.
“Previously, we lost significant amounts of sugar through leakages in the process section. Worn-out components have now been replaced with new ones,” he added.
At the time Nzoia Sugar was handed over to West Kenya Sugar Company on May 10, 2025, operations had ceased. A heap of uncrushed cane lay abandoned in the yard, eventually drying up before being discarded.
Nzoia Sugar was among four State-owned sugar factories leased out to private investors for a period of 30 years. The others are Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Sugar, and Chemelil Sugar. Chemelil was leased to Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Ltd, Muhoroni to West Valley Sugar Company, and Mumias to Sarrai Group, although the latter deal faced legal hurdles and was halted in court.
With milling operations now resumed, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Sohan Sharma, expressed confidence that the factory has sufficient cane to sustain round-the-clock operations. He revealed that about 490,000 tonnes of cane are available from outgrowers and the nucleus estate, enough to support milling between December 2025 and June 2026.
“Our immediate focus was to give the plant a new look. We modernised it by replacing obsolete parts with new, modern equipment,” said Mr Sharma.
He noted that the next priority is aggressive cane development to guarantee a steady and reliable supply.
“Cane farming is lucrative but expensive. We will support farmers through land preparation, the supply of quality seed cane and the distribution of fertiliser,” he said.
The company plans to expand the area under cane by an additional 12,500 acres through a comprehensive farmer support programme.
“To enhance timely harvesting and transportation, we at Nzoia Sugar have acquired 101 tractors and engaged more than 30 contractors, ensuring daily deliveries of at least 3,000 tonnes of cane,” Mr Sharma stated.
He further noted that of the 2,092.23 hectares in the nucleus estate, 1,555.16 hectares had already been developed under cane and that plans were underway to place the entire estate under irrigation to further enhance productivity.
Residents have welcomed the resumption of operations with renewed optimism, citing the promise of employment and wider economic benefits.
James Wafula, a boda boda rider in Bukembe, said he anticipates increased business ferrying workers to and from the factory, while also hoping the community will benefit from corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“We hope the good old days at Nzoia Sugar are back. Employment opportunities are what we want so that our lives,” he said.
