President Ruto Commends Progress at Nzoia Sugar Factory Upgrade

President William Ruto has expressed satisfaction with progress in the upgrading of Nzoia Sugar Factory in Bungoma County. He commended the management for plans to build a dam at the Nucleus Estate.

The dam is intended to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture. It is also expected to create the capacity to double production at the factory.

Ruto shared the remarks on 14 August 2026 alongside photographs from the site. The images showed ongoing works and infrastructure at the facility.

The upgrade forms part of efforts to revitalise the sugar sector in western Kenya. Improved water security through the planned dam is presented as a key step toward more reliable operations.

Nucleus estates traditionally supply cane directly to sugar factories. Securing water for these fields is expected to stabilise feedstock and support higher output once the dam is in place.

No specific completion timelines or cost figures were included in the presidential update. The focus remained on the visible progress and the strategic value of the dam project.

The President’s comments come amid broader government attention to agricultural value chains and agro-processing facilities. Local management received direct recognition for advancing the dam initiative.

Water availability has long been a constraint for rain-fed cane growing in the region. A dedicated dam at the Nucleus Estate would provide a more predictable supply for irrigation and factory processes.

Doubling production capacity would require both the factory upgrade and a steady cane supply. The dam is therefore positioned as a complementary investment rather than a standalone project.

Further details on the dam’s design, storage capacity and construction schedule are expected as the project moves forward. The factory modernisation and associated water infrastructure are being pursued together.

Stakeholders in the sugar industry continue to monitor developments at Nzoia. The combination of factory improvements and improved water access is widely viewed as central to long-term viability.

Ruto’s update underscores official interest in the site. The dam plan stands out as a practical measure to address climatic variability that has affected cane yields in previous seasons.

Local farmers who supply the factory are likely to benefit from more consistent offtake if production rises. Reliable water would also support better planning of planting and harvesting cycles.

The photographs released with the statement showed active construction and equipment on site. These visuals accompanied the President’s written commendation of the management team.

As the upgrade continues, attention will turn to how quickly the dam component can be advanced. The dual focus on processing capacity and water security defines the current phase of work at Nzoia.