Agriculture CS Kagwe Defends Move to Lease Country’s Sugar Factories, Says No Public Assets Have Been Sold
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has firmly defended the government’s decision to lease state-owned sugar factories and has assured the National Assembly that no public assets have been sold.
While appearing before the Agriculture Committee, the CS clarified that the leasing process was conducted transparently and had received full parliamentary approval.
Leaders from sugar-growing regions have questioned whether due process was followed, with calls for full disclosure of agreements and the identities of leaseholders.
However, CS Kagwe dispelled these claims and emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability and openness.
“No sugar factory has been sold. It’s leasing that has been done, and Parliament approved the whole process. I dismiss assertions that the process was opaque considering all stakeholders were involved,” said Kagwe.
“We are ready to submit any document for scrutiny by Parliament and the general public, as requested by Hon. Ruth Odinga, to assure the public on the lease process.”
MPs have been seeking clarity on how the leasing decisions were reached.
There has also been concern over the level of public participation and whether local communities were adequately consulted or represented in the arrangements.
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