The Kisumu County government has called on the police to investigate a series of fires that have devastated cane farms in parts of Nyando, causing damage estimated in the millions of shillings over the past three months.
Ken Onyango, the Agriculture Executive, characterized these fires as acts of economic sabotage that have severely impacted farmers, while the perpetrators remain unidentified.
“Farmers are incurring substantial losses, and the ongoing fires pose a serious threat to the future of sugar production in the area,” Onyango remarked.
These fires have disrupted the development schedules of cane crops and could potentially lead to a shortage of raw material, which might force the closure of three major factories in the region.
After inspecting the burned sugar cane fields around Miwani, Onyango noted that although the destruction has been widespread in Nyando, Kibos Sugar, a privately owned company, has been the hardest hit.
Since May, Kibos Sugar has lost 1,035 acres of sugar cane, amounting to 33,268 tonnes.
Onyango expressed suspicion of arson and sabotage, highlighting the peculiar fact that only Kisumu County has been affected, despite the presence of sugar factories in neighboring Western, Rift Valley, and South Nyanza regions, which have reported no similar incidents.
“We urge law enforcement and state investigative agencies to conduct immediate investigations and apprehend those responsible for these fires,” he said.
Onyango also noted that Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o is deeply concerned about the fires, which are disrupting the livelihoods of numerous farmers.
“Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries is a major employer in Kisumu County, and these fires are severely disrupting its operations,” Onyango added.
Kibos Sugar’s manager, Richard Sewe, and Corporate Affairs Manager, Joyce Opondo, reported that the destruction of the cane has led to significant losses for both the miller and the farmers.
Opondo explained, “Harvesting and processing burned cane incurs high operational costs, affects sugar quality, and creates environmental challenges.”
They urged farmers and government officials to assist in saving the industry by reporting any suspects to the police.
Silvanus Oging, one of the latest victims, experienced a fire on his farm Saturday at around 4:35 p.m. Despite his quick response, the blaze had already consumed his entire 64-hectare farm, including 48 hectares of his own.
“The damage is extensive, and I am facing severe losses,” Oging said. He was expecting to earn Sh8.6 million from his harvest but now faces uncertainty about recovering anything from his ruined crop.
“I’m unsure when the factory will be able to harvest the remaining cane since they are already overwhelmed with cases like mine. This is heartbreaking as I was counting on a significant harvest, which now seems out of reach,” he added.
Oging had invested Sh3.6 million in developing his sugarcane plantation. He has reported the incident to the local chief and the factory, urging for urgent harvesting of any remaining cane to salvage some of his investment.
