KISUMU, Kenya, April 2026–Sugarcane farmers in Miwani are urging the government to bypass political distractions and lease the contested Miwani nucleus estate to Crossley Limited, arguing that reviving the collapsed sugar factory is the only path to restoring the region’s shattered economy.
During a recent visit by the Parliamentary Lands Committee, farmers made it clear that their priority is not land ownership disputes but the urgent resumption of milling operations.
The factory, an economic lifeline for Kisumu and Nandi counties, collapsed in the 1990s, leaving thousands of farmers without a market for their cane.
While Crossley Limited currently holds the title to the land and has expressed interest in restoring operations, its ownership has been contested by locals who insist the land was donated by Luo and Kalenjin elders for communal benefit.
However, farmers now warn that any attempt to subdivide the land could trigger chaos.
“If you say the land is being subdivided, then every farmer will want a piece of it,” said Sammy Kipyego, a farmer from Nandi County. “That is a recipe for chaos.”
Sammy Kipyego, a cane farmer from Nandi County addressing the media on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Lands Committee Public Participation in Miwani town. Photo Courtesy
Instead, farmers are rallying behind a clear proposal that allows the government to lease the factory and nucleus estate to Crossley Limited under strict terms that protect community interests.
They believe the investor holds the key to large-scale commercial revival, processing cane, creating jobs and restoring a reliable market.
“Let the government lease the factory to Crossley so operations can resume,” Kipyego added. “That way, farmers can benefit again and the local economy can grow.”
Another local farmer Hass Odhiambo echoed the call, accusing politicians of hijacking the process for selfish gains.
He noted the land ultimately belongs to the government, but the people’s wish is for production and not partition.
As legal battles and ownership wrangles have stalled revival efforts for decades, farmers now see Crossley Limited as the most viable vehicle for rebuilding livelihoods provided the process remains transparent, inclusive and free from political interference.
