Senator Okiya Omtatah Statement on Leasing Sugar Companies and Privatizing Ownership

I rise, pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget regarding the government's decision to lease public sugar companies for approximately thirty (30) years, effectively privatizing ownership rather than retaining them under public control with the appointment of competent professional management.

In the Statement, the Committee should address the following:

• The rationale behind leasing out sugar companies instead of strengthening public ownership through the appointment of capable management, and whether this approach is in the best socio-economic interest of the local communities.
• How the long-term leasing aligns with principles of public accountability, including whether adequate public participation and stakeholder consultation were undertaken prior to the decision.
• The impact of leasing out the sugar companies on farmers, employees, and local economies, and the safeguards in place to protect public assets and ensure continued service delivery and economic empowerment in sugar-growing regions.

Sen. Andrew Omtatah, Senator, Busia County

Date: 6th May, 2025