The Kakamega County government is currently under scrutiny following allegations of mismanagement regarding the utilization of the CESS funds collected from local sugar factories. Critics argue that the funds have not been effectively channeled into repairing the deteriorating roads within the sugarcane-growing regions, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

The issue came to the forefront on Wednesday morning when boda boda operators operating along the Kambi Mwanza-Lukume road staged a demonstration. The riders expressed their frustrations over the substandard repairs carried out by West Kenya Sugar Mills, which have rendered the road nearly impassable during the dry season. Their demonstration was a call for urgent action to address the poor state of the infrastructure.

Traders and boda boda operators have accused both the factory management and local leadership of neglecting to collaborate with relevant authorities such as the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) to ensure that the roads are adequately maintained. “If there are no rains now and we can’t use the roads, what will happen when the rains start? The leaders will be in their Prados while we suffer,” lamented one of the demonstrators, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

George Muruli, the Corporate Affairs Officer of Rai Group—owners of West Kenya Sugar Mills—addressed the concerns during the demonstration. He explained that the company was undertaking roadworks to mitigate the impact of the poor road network before the rainy season begins, aiming to facilitate seamless movement for farmers transporting their produce to the factory.

However, Muruli raised questions about the amount of CESS remitted by the sugar millers to the Kakamega County government. He pointed out that these funds are designated for infrastructure development, including road repairs, and expressed concern over the apparent disconnect between the collections and their utilization.

Muruli urged the boda boda operators to remain calm as the company sought amicable solutions through dialogue with county officials, the area Member of Parliament, and other stakeholders. He assured them that efforts were underway to find lasting solutions to the ongoing road issues.

The area MP, David Ndakwa echoed Muruli’s sentiments, promising that the Kambi Mwanza-Lukume road would be repaired within the coming days. He assured residents and operators that the repair works would include proper drainage systems and clear signage to prevent future deterioration and ensure safety.
The legislator emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, urging the factory management, county government, and community members to work together to resolve the infrastructure challenges. He also appealed for patience as negotiations and planning for sustainable solutions continue.

Despite the ongoing repairs, concerns remain about the broader management of CESS funds in Kakamega County. The county receives allocations from two major sugar millers—West Kenya Sugar Mills and Butali Sugar Company—yet questions persist regarding the transparency of the funds’ deployment for road maintenance and other critical infrastructure projects.
Local residents and operators have called for greater accountability, demanding that the funds collected be visibly invested in repairing and maintaining the roads that are vital to their livelihoods and the local economy. The situation underscores the need for stronger oversight and effective use of resources allocated for development.