Homa Bay County Plans to Privatize Kigoto Maize Milling Plant Amid Concerns and Delays

The Homa Bay County government in Kenya is contemplating the privatization of the Kigoto Maize Milling Plant to enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, the decision faces opposition from local suppliers who have expressed concerns about unpaid bills and the potential risk of being left out by a private investor. The factory, which began operations in 2022, has encountered numerous challenges, including a report from the Kenya Bureau of Standards indicating that maize used at the factory contained aflatoxin. The county government is planning to lease the factory to a private operator, but activist Evance Oloo has threatened to take the matter to court for an injunction against the privatization.

Key Takeaways:

• The Homa Bay County government plans to privatize the Kigoto Maize Milling Plant, citing the need for efficiency and sustainability.
• The factory, operational since 2022, has faced challenges and failed to meet expectations, with county leaders anticipating it would provide a ready market for local maize farmers and boost food security.
• A report from the Kenya Bureau of Standards revealed that maize used at the factory contained aflatoxin, raising concerns about food safety.
• Local supplier Ms Verah Anyango has accused the county government of delaying payment, citing debts and the loss of her children's private school education.
• Activist Evance Oloo has threatened to take the matter to court, arguing that a private investor may decline to pay suppliers who are owed.
• The county government has written to the government valuer to conduct a comprehensive valuation of the milling plant, including its land, buildings, machinery, and assets.
• The privatization plans have sparked concerns among local suppliers, with some accusing conmen of taking advantage of their desperate situation to scam them out of payments.

Statistics:

• 2022: The year when the Kigoto Maize Milling Plant commenced operations.
• $4600: The amount that supplier Ms Verah Anyango was supposed to be paid for each bag of maize she supplied.
• 135 bags: The number of bags of maize supplied by Ms Anyango to the factory.
• Sh4600 / bag: The payment amount owed to Ms Anyango for each bag of maize.

Sources:

• Kenya News Agency (19 Sep 2025)
• Report by the Kenya Bureau of Standards
• Statement by Evance Oloo to the press
• Testimony by Verah Anyango to the press
• Letter by Bernard Nyobange to the government valuer