The revival of Sony Sugar has ignited optimism for business growth in the sugar-belt towns, including Awendo Town and its neighboring areas, which are now thriving with activity.
In a recent interview, Jane Pamela Odhiambo, Managing Director of Sony Sugar Company 2025 Limited, highlighted that the region’s renewed confidence stems from the reforms initiated by President William Ruto last year.
She emphasized that the decision to ensure farmers receive weekly payments for their cane has significantly boosted local economic activity, empowering residents with increased purchasing power and creating fresh opportunities for traders.
Odhiambo noted that approximately Sh150 million circulates in Awendo Town and its surroundings each month due to cane payments, underscoring that sugarcane farming is the economic backbone for many households.
“My daily focus is to ensure the plant operates smoothly, that cane is cultivated and delivered, that we serve our customers effectively, and that all parties are paid promptly to maintain efficient operations,” she explained.
“The company’s turnover, if we mill effectively, reaches around Sh5 billion annually. A substantial portion of this revenue reinvests in the local economy, as we pay farmers between Sh120 to 150 million each month,” she stated.
The MD also mentioned the significant investments the company has made in renovations and technology, revealing that they currently mill an average of 2,300 tonnes per day, with a target of reaching 2,700 tonnes by December.
This marks a remarkable turnaround, especially considering that just two years ago, the factory faced the threat of complete shutdown. “At that time, we were accumulating cane for an entire week and only managing to mill 700 tonnes weekly, which was unsustainable,” she remarked.
“That situation led to delayed payments for farmers and even staff salaries,” she acknowledged.
Farmers, who once waited months for their payments, now receive them weekly—a key aspect of the government-led reforms.
Stakeholders, including traders and transporters like Silvester Swati Makhoha, are now filled with hope.
“This is a serious investment that creates jobs and brings the financial resources we have long discussed into your hands, enabling us to collaborate effectively,” said Makhoha, who has been in the sugarcane transport business since 2000.
“I have experience with various sugar companies, including Mumias and Nzoia, but I have chosen to settle here. I want to assure my community that since the privatization of these companies, we have witnessed positive changes, with timely payments becoming the norm,” he added.
Former Uriri High School Principal Andrew Othoch expressed his joy at witnessing the resurgence of Sony Sugar. “Before Sony’s arrival, we lived in thatched grass houses; now, across South Nyanza and Migori district, we have transitioned to metal-roofed homes,” he shared.
“Education has improved significantly, as all children are attending school thanks to the income generated from sugarcane. Sony Sugar is a vital support system for this county and beyond, impacting not only Migori but also Transmara, Kisii, and South Nyanza,” he affirmed.
