NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 — Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has directed the Agriculture Food Authority to investigate allegations of cane theft amid rising concern over weighbridge fraud.
“I am not aware of the existence of syndicates engaged in theft of cane at the weighing bridges and buying centers. The accuracy of weighbridges is the responsibility of the Weights and Measurement department,” Linturi said.
Linturi who denied allegations of weighbridge fraud in the Sugar Belt Region however ordered the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA) to investigate any malpractices for action.
He said AFA findings will guide reforms to streamline the sector.
Linturi was responding to queries raised by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda on syndicates engaged in the theft of cane at weighbridges while in transit to sugar factories.
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He revealed plans by his docket to draft regulations aimed at streamlining sugarcane weighbridges and protecting farmers from exploitation.
“The Cabinet Secretary is in the process of making regulations to provide management of weighing bridges to ensure fairness in weighing bridges,” Linturi told lawmakers on Wednesday.
Senator Ojienda urged Kilimo House to compensate sugarcane farmers and hold persons involved accountable.
Linturi’s Senate appearance came amid concern over rogue millers accused of deploying faulty weighbridges to deny farmers their dues.
The situation has caused an outcry from farmers, who claim millers are defrauding them.
Reports indicate that sugar cane farmers are losing millions for cane sold to millers for crushing.
