A proposed $350-million Kenyan sugar project by Mumias has been met with protests from local community workers fearful of the damaging effects to their way of life.
"If the delta is planted with sugar, we will run out of grazing land for our cattle," local community leader Bile Bundit says.
The project was recently halted temporarily by the country’s High Court, although the government seeks to overturn that ruling hoping to tap
While supporters claim 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created, along with a reduced import bill and biofuel-powered cars on Kenyan roads.
"The project will pretty much catapult the area into the era of modern society," says Mumias CEO Evans Kidero, adding sugar production costs would fall 75% at the Delta. This would aid in lower prices across the country.
Those opposed to the project say it will have damaging effects to the area’s population. Although Professor David Mungai, who led a project impact study, said, "We found it will impact the environment negatively and positively, but on balance, the project was found to be environmentally, socially and economically feasible."