DP Ruto holds final Bungoma Economic Forum in Kimilili

By Isabella Maua

Bungoma County farmers have been assured that the prominent Mumias and Nzoia Sugar Company will be fully revived operational under the Kenya Kwanza  administration.

Speaking during Bungoma Economic Forum in Kimilili, the Deputy President Dr.William Samoei Ruto assured sugarcane farmers that under his administration, all the factories’ debts will be cleared.

“ My government will ensure the balance sheet is zero since most of the debts are owed by government, however, we shall use negotiation where other companies are involved so that farmers can benefit from their factory,” promised Ruto.

He also promised cotton farmers that they will be provided with high quality Biotech seeds which requires  little amount of pesticides and guarantees high yields.

The Deputy President further assured the area residents that Kenya Kwanza is a hands on government in waiting and they are coming up with a charter where the leaders as well as wananchi will be holding progressive forums to monitor implementation of the proposed projects.

With regards to  improving the standards of Jua Kali,  Small and Medium Enterprises, Ruto said that his administration is set to standardise taxes imposed on business people besides improving their economic  welfare.

 “We shall allocate 50 Million for quick loan access which will accrue an interest of only 5% annually,” Ruto reiterated.

He also challenged Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat to start citing locations for modern market constructions.

“I will ensure taxes are reduced from the current 50 shillings back to 20 shillings which was charged during my tenure,” Lusaka affirmed

Ruto on the other hand gave hope to farmers assuring them that fertilizer prices will be subsidized and fall from the current 6000 to 2500 shillings.

Evans Chemwotei, Mt.Elgon Member of Parliament aspirant under Ford Kenya party mentioned that the Kenya Kwanza administration will ressurect the shamba system which was very helpful to farmers living near the forest.

“Before Tobiko took from us the shamba system, farmers benefited a lot from the project and we want to give back what belongs to them,” Evans noted.

On matters regarding illicit liquor related deaths, Kimilili Member of National Assembly Didimus Barasa proposed that ‘busa’ (a local brew made from millet and maize flour)be legalized and standardized to ensure regulation.

“Busa has been a pass time drink which mostly brought men together in social gatherings and if regulated we could easily do away with premature deaths,” Didimus advised.

Conclusively, Ruto assured Kenyans that he will not be resigning anytime soon and that he is not to blame for any shortcomings in the current government since he was sidelined after the Uhuru- Raila handshake.

Justin Muturi, speaker of National Assembly (who is also a candidate to deputize Ruto) also concurred with him adding that gone are the days when politicians used the slave- owner mentality.

“We are the game changers in today’s politics and we have already began listening to wananchi who are our employers,” Muturi said.

He further disclosed that he joined Kenya Kwanza after being advised by his supporters and he has no regrets whatsoever in being part of the next government.

Also in attendance were Moses Kuria, Fred Kapondi,Majimbo Kalasinga, Musalia Mudavadi,Jaguar and Moses Wetangula among other top dignitaries in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

The entourage later proceeded to Busia then Vihiga as they completed Western region economic forum.