The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Sugarcane farmers in Miwani, Kisumu County, have strongly opposed a proposal to convert over 100 acres of farmland into residential developments, warning that the move would cripple the sugar industry and threaten food security.
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During a public participation forum convened by environmental consultants on behalf of Safaricom Investment Cooperative Society—the developer behind the plan—farmers unanimously rejected the project, insisting the land, known as Plot No. 1506/1, must remain under agriculture.
“This land should be preserved for farming, not housing. Our livelihoods depend on sugarcane production,” said farmer Huss Ojwala.
Others, including Zedekiah Odhiambo, questioned the integrity of the consultation process, citing poor publicity and lack of approval for change of land use. “Farmers were not fully involved. We oppose this plan and demand the land remains for agriculture,” he said.
Residents warned that diverting farmland to housing would harm the local economy. “Losing this land means losing raw materials for our factories, which employ many youths,” said Michael Ngeso.
The Kenya National Association of Sugarcane Farmers also dismissed the project, urging that the land be returned to farmers for cane production.
Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd (KSAIL) joined the opposition, stressing that the disputed 100 acres previously supplied the factory with about 40,000 tonnes of cane annually, translating to 4,000 tonnes of sugar that contributed to jobs, taxes, and domestic supply.
“With the country already facing a sugar shortage, converting such vital farmland into estates is reckless and undermines national food security,” said KSAIL corporate affairs manager Joyce Opondo.
The company argued that the plan goes against Kisumu County’s Physical and Land Use Plan, which designates Miwani Central as an agricultural and industrial hub. Opondo further warned that allowing such conversions would set a dangerous precedent for farmland exploitation.
Kibos is urging Safaricom Investment Cooperative to abandon the project and instead align with government efforts to strengthen food and cash crop production. The firm has also appealed to the county’s planning department to block approvals for land-use change unless linked to agro-industrial growth.
“We are not against investment, but it must be sustainable. Agricultural zones must be respected for the sake of food security and industrial development,” Opondo said.
