MP Mark Nyamita addressing Uriri residents yesterday
By Hon. Eng. Mark Nyamita
A couple of days past, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta discharged his perfunctory duty by appointing Mr. Charles Oyugi Owino aka Owino Likowa to Chair the Board of Directors of South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as SONY). While this is a purely presidential prerogative, it doesn’t stop us from ventilating it in public discourse. Neither does it compel us to kowtow to a bad executive choice as a fait accompli. I therefore reiterate my position as follows;
First of all, I am a living beneficiary of sugarcane farming as its proceeds paid my school fees. My constituency is also in the sugar-belt meaning I predominantly represent cane farmers. To crown it all, as a sugarcane farmer myself, I am privy, firsthand, to the challenges facing the industry in general and SONY in particular.
The problems bedevilling SONY are macro not micro and It’s within the purview of the Board through its chair to canvass for the company at the national stage. This surely requires agility and vibrancy of a more qualified person with the energy and stamina to push the SONY facelift agenda. Such meritocracy isn’t deficient in the young people of Migori County generally and even Suna by extension. While at it, it’s important we get the right person for the job especially one with a superior managerial record oftentimes for advisory purposes.This however, doesn’t mean I have anything personal against the now Chair (who is my friend)as an individual who did his part appreciably in the years gone by, or the people of Suna for that matter.
My faith in my generation is unflinching. This truth stands and has to be highlighted repeatedly for “it’s correct even if embraced by a minority of one”, to paraphrase the Gandhian wisdom of yore.
That’s why I choose to ignore my friend Hon.Ochilo Ayacko’s cynical and witless rants in response to my position on the appointment of the chair Instead of articulating reasons in support of the appointment he sought my comment on the performance of the county government of Migori.
The people of Migori had an opportunity to elect their leaders of choice in 2017. In their wisdom the great people of Migori gave the mantle of governorship of Migori County to H.E Okoth Obado. The electorates rejected his opponents and pretenders to the throne who were sent to the holding area for political jokers.
I contend that the county government has much to do to meet the high expectations of the people of Migori County. Our people would wish to enjoy dividends of devolution that they furiously fought for. I have no iota of doubt that given time and an enabling environment the county government should and MUST deliver.
Having said that Gov. Obado’s performance must not be used as a scapegoat in this case. Running away from the issues will not tender solutions and will not help the ailing miller and poor farmers.
In conclusion and cognizant of the fact that the appointment has been effected I will give my full and unwavering support to the management of SONY and the Board as is constituted. My opinion should, however, be respected as I have no apologies to make for believing in my generation.And this is my well considered position.
Happy Eid.
(The writer is Uriri MP and Secretary of Migori Parliamentary Group)
