Sugar King Region

Sugar cane tractors waiting at the gate

We left Kisumu behind this morning and set out for Kitale again. 

Much of the region through which we drove is given over to sugar cane and there was much in evidence, both in the plantations and n the fields of small-scale farmers. 

I have noticed “Mumias Sugar” advertisements beside the road and on the sides/frontages of shops over the years I’ve been coming to Kenya but hadn’t realised that Mumias is actually a town in Western Province, and even the name of a wider area. 

Tractors with trailers loaded with the cane trundled along the road and, at one point, a whole series of them was waiting at the factory gate to be admitted.

Cutting cane in the fields

We saw a factory in the middle distance, and there looked to be significant pollution, although the company claims to be environmentally conscious.  Apart from sugar, and molasses, Mumias also apparently produces electric power, from burning some of the waste products.  In any case, it must be a huge employer in the region, obviously growing the cane itself, but also in the factory and in the transportation of the finished products. 

Another common  sight on the journey worth commenting on was the movement of lucerne or alfalfa from the fields and the verges to livestock for fodder.  Some of the small-scale farmers carry it on their backs, while the majority take large bundles on the backs of their bicycles to take to market.

Carrying the load

Word had it that the rains had started properly in Kitale but there was no real sign of wet verges or puddles when we got back. 


Whoops! Just heard on the news that the Kenyan airport staff went on strike today.   Sheena just managed to leave in time yesterday evening.  I hope the two sides can come to an agreement in the next day or so or there’ll be a huge backlog by next Friday - my departure date.