Farmers in the Nyando sugar belt of Kisumu County have criticised local leaders for opposing the leasing of state-owned sugar mills, calling their stance harmful to the future of the industry.
The region includes Chemelil, Muhoroni and Miwani sugar factories.
Farmers said politicians have failed to solve long-standing problems and should support the government's efforts to revive the sector through privatisation.
Kilion Osur, Secretary General of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, noted the leasing of mills to private investors brought hope to a sector plagued by mismanagement and political interference. "As farmers, we are dismayed.
