Nelson Shilunji Bags Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Bungoma Support Ahead of KSB Elections
Nelson Shilunji Bags Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Bungoma Support Ahead of KSB Elections
By Obed Simiyu
Upper Western Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) director candidate Nelson Taliti Shilunji has bagged major support from farmers drawn from Bungoma, Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties.
In a series of strategic meetings over the weekend, Shilunji was assured of total support from the major sugar can growing regions with leaders representing farmers exuding confidence top ranking police officer would be the best candidate.
The farmers decried poor payment from sugar factories, mistreatment and poor maintenance of infrastructure that hampers productivity.
They complained that sugar factories have failed to help in maintain roads which are badly destroyed by tractors and heavy lorries.
According to them, farmers now need a firm, decisive and well networked director able to present their grievances without the fear of being intimidated int silence.
“We have done our work properly. We have collectively as farmers from Nandi and Uasin Gishu declared that our director shall be Taliti Shilunji,” the farmers from Rift Valley region said during a high-level engagement meeting at Forest Lodge, in Malava town.
On his part, Shilunji lamented about the issuance cane cutting permits where cane farmers are always frustrated.
He also pointed out that factories take too long to collect the cane, a move he explained that denies the farmers their rightful value for their produce.
In addition, he called for the cane to be weighed at the farm and not at the factory saying this affects the total tonnage as some canes are dropped along the way, some stolen by pedestrians while being transported.
“When you look at the price of sugar on shelves, it does not reflect what the farmer is receiving from the factory for his produce,” he said.
Shilunji has assured farmers across the region that he will be a diligent servant who will fight for their rights, listen to their plight and offer a bright future.
He promised to be their champion and ensure they get value for their sweat in the farms so that they can all smile to the bank.
Shilunji was accompanied by Simon Kangwana, Kenya’s Education Attaché to Uganda.
Kangwana rallied sugar farmers to support Shilunji saying he has what it takes to represent farmers at the Kenya Sugar Board.
