West Kenya Sugar holds talks with Malava stakeholders on jobs, infrastructure

West Kenya Sugar Company has engaged stakeholders drawn from across Malava Constituency to discuss a range of issues, including employment, corporate social responsibility and infrastructure development.

The meeting was chaired by community representative Nelson Shilunji and Rai Group of Companies Community and Communications Manager George Muruli.

During the meeting, members of the community acknowledged the strong relationship they have maintained with the sugar factory, noting that more than 50 per cent of the local population directly relies on the establishment for their livelihoods.

The stakeholders also acknowledged the role the factory has played in improving infrastructure in the area, including the construction of hospitals and schools.

It was also noted that the factory, which was established in Malava in the late 1980s, has been sponsoring students to pursue higher education both within and outside the country.

The management, on its part, promised to honour its commitments while urging the community to support its initiatives, including the expansion of sugarcane farming. The company called on more farmers to take up sugarcane cultivation.

The meeting brought together representatives from all seven wards in Malava Constituency and was attended by Members of the County Assembly, including South Kabras MCA Josephat Wakukha, his Chemuche counterpart Geoffrey Sikolia, and West Kabras MCA Elphas Shalakha.

The stakeholders agreed to hold monthly meetings to provide a platform through which the community’s concerns and wishes can be presented and addressed.