Farmers in Busia County have raised alarm over the worsening environmental and economic impact of pollution from a sugar company owned by billionaire Jaswant Rai—West Kenya’s Olepito Sugar Factory.
During a tense community meeting, several farmers expressed frustration over the company’s failure to address pollution, which they say has led to the destruction of crops, death of livestock, and rising health concerns.
Clement Wanga Odungas, a contracted farmer, said the factory has consistently ignored the farmers’ grievances.
“We have cried many times, but they refuse to listen. The pollution is affecting our lives, our animals, and our crops,” he lamented.
He added that waste from the factory has poisoned the soil, causing crops to wither before they mature.
Locals further claim that the pollution is now a public health crisis.
“Children are falling sick. Even walking near the waste areas is unbearable—it affects our bodies, our skin, and our health,” Wanga noted, urging immediate government intervention.
Santos Chungwe Skedi, another affected farmer from Otimong Zone, expressed deep disappointment over the factory’s failure to fulfill employment promises made to the community during its establishment.
“We thought jobs would come with the factory, but now our youth are idle. Some drop out of school due to the financial strain caused by pollution’s impact on our farming,” he said.
Community leader Nathan Wachunga accused the management—particularly the general manager Gerald Okoth.—of avoiding dialogue with the surrounding community.
He said the factory has failed to deliver on its commitments to improve local infrastructure, build schools, and provide healthcare facilities.
Residents say efforts to seek help through administrative or legal channels have been fruitless.
“It is hard to even access the offices to air our grievances. Security blocks us and appointments are denied,” said Wachunga.
The farmers are now appealing to both the county and national governments to intervene.
They are demanding that West Kenya’s Olepito Sugar Factory take responsibility for the environmental degradation, install proper pollution control systems, and honor its promises of community development.
“We need a dispensary, a school, clean water, and above all, our dignity as farmers restored,” Wachunga declared.
“If the factory cannot meet its obligations, then let them leave and make way for an investor who respects the people and the land.”
