Stephen Ligawa appointed CEO of Kenya Sugar Millers Association 

KENYA – The Kenya Sugar Millers Association (KESMA) has appointed Stephen Ligawa, the former managing director of Sony Sugar, as its new CEO.  

Ligawa, who brings over 30 years of industry experience, takes over from advocate Saulo Wasilwa, who served in 2022 and left for other legal duties. 

“We are happy to bring Ligawa on board to run the sugar manufacturer’s secretariat,” said KESMA chairperson Jayanti Patel. 

Ligawa’s recent position was at the new Angata Sugar factory in Narok County, where he served for two months before being tapped by KESMA.  

In his new role, Ligawa is expected to provide leadership to KESMA, help the agency champion sound sugar policies, and serve as the link between the government and industry investors and manufacturers. 

Upon assuming office, Ligawa announced that addressing the poor state of roads would be his top agenda.  

“The poor road conditions have led to frequent breakdowns of cane transportation vehicles, increased fuel consumption, and caused significant delays in cane delivery to the factories,” he said. 

KESMA has appealed to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) to intervene and repair the roads.  

A letter copied to the Sugar Directorate boss Jude Chesire and the Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) outlines the need for KERA to implement emergency road repairs and maintenance to restore roads to a usable condition, ensuring safe and efficient cane transportation. 

KESMA also advocates for a long-term infrastructure improvement plan in the sugar belt to prevent recurrent road damage and minimize losses from cane spillage while in transit to sugar factories.  

“We want a system of regular monitoring and maintenance of the roads to ensure they remain in good condition to support the demands of the industry,” Ligawa stated. 

Over the last twenty years, KESMA has observed that new sugar factories have opened in sugar-growing areas with poor feeder roads, which are old and poorly maintained murram roads.  

“The sugar industry can’t bear the burden placed upon it by poor infrastructure. Immediate action is required to mitigate these challenges and support the growth and sustainability of this critical sub-sector,” Ligawa emphasized. 

Additionally, KESMA officials have urged MPs to fast-track the enactment of the Sugar Bill 2022 into law.  

The proposed bill introduces measures such as a sugar development levy, the reinstatement of the Kenya Sugar Board, the establishment of a Sugar Arbitration Tribunal, and the zoning of sugar catchment areas. 

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