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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23805, member: 2262"] President Ruto Revives Sugar Industry, Boosting Re-Election Hopes. NAIROBI - Kenya's sugar industry has experienced a rebirth under President William Ruto. This follows decades of decline marked by factory closures, job losses, and farmer desperation. Atiang' Atyang', national chairman of the Kenya Association of Sugarcane and Allied Products (KASPA), credits Ruto for the turnaround. He cites the revival of the Kenya Sugar Board, debt write-offs, and fertilizer subsidies as key factors. "The sector is thriving. There is a future for the industry," Atiang' told the Star. Ruto's focus on sugar has political implications. Western Kenya, the heart of the sugar belt, is crucial for his 2027 re-election bid. This is especially true after his troubles in Mt Kenya following his split with Rigathi Gachagua. The President recently announced a Sh150 million bonus for sugar farmers. The payout benefited 12,501 farmers, with amounts ranging from Sh6,700 to Sh545,501. Critics questioned the bonus's source and calculation. But Ruto defended it, saying, "Where the tea and coffee bonuses come from is where the sugar bonus came from." Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called the bonus groundbreaking. "You have set a standard. Let the other companies follow suit," he said. The government has invested Sh600 million in planting materials. The Sugar Act of 2024 has curbed cane poaching and established a pricing committee. However, farmers worry about the sustainability of the gains. They want politicians removed from director roles in public mills. "Sycophancy should be stopped. Improvement will be a pipe dream as long as governance is bad," Atiang' said. The government is working on a sugar traceability system for consumer safety. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said boosting manufacturing and industry is key to the nation's wealth. Kakamega Governor Ferdinand Barasa emphasized the importance of the sugar sector. "Mumias Sugar is the economic livelihood of the Western region," he said. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah defended the bonus, saying Mumias Sugar Company generated it. He dismissed claims that public funds were used. Kenya has cut sugar imports and aims to become a net exporter by 2026. Ruto remains committed to improving the income of sugar-dependent households. [/QUOTE]

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